THERE are fears that thieves are preying on valuable pedigree dogs in Worcestershire after five went missing in 10 days.

The alarm was raised by the manager of Brentknoll Veterinary Centre, Whittington Road, Worcester.

Barbara Kirk, who keeps a lost-and-found book at the surgery, noticed pet owners had reported a larger number than normal of pedigree pups going missing and decided to contact the police.

"Dogs do go missing but this appears to be a very high number in a short space of time - and they are all pedigree animals.

"What's worse is that we are only aware of the people who have called us and used our lost and found book. The total number of missing dogs could be a lot higher," she added.

The missing animals include a beagle from Warndon Villages, a Yorkshire terrier from Lower Howsell, near Malvern, a white Staffordshire terrier from Ronkswood, a Japanese akita puppy from Stoulton and a golden retriever from Bewdley.

The much-loved pets disappeared between Saturday, November 19, and Monday, November 28, and have not been seen since.

Evesham dog breeder Joan Perks, who has bred pedigree animals for more than 32 years, said some of her customers had had their pets stolen and were left heartbroken.

She said: "Good dogs are worth hundreds of pounds depending on the breed and people can make a quick buck by stealing them and selling them on. They see a dog with a family and wait for a chance to take it.

"If that is what's happened here it is such a shame for the owners and the poor animals."

A spokesman for South Worcestershire Police said: "While there is nothing to directly link the loss of these animals and nothing to suggest they have been stolen, we would encourage owners to always be aware where their animals are."