A PENSIONER believes her pedigree pooch may be the latest victim in a long spate of dog thefts in Worcestershire.

Gwen Chadwick, aged 73, of Middle Street, Arbor-etum, Worcester, fears the worst for three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Bruno, after he went missing from home on Saturday, March 11.

The news comes amid warnings from the Kennel Club that dog owners in the county should take extra security measures for their pets. There have also been reports of other dogs being stolen.

Mrs Chadwick said: "I was on holiday in Malta at the time and left my son to look after Bruno. He let the dog out into the garden and a minute later he was gone. I've got a feeling he was stolen because he has never gone missing before. Also, he is well known in the Arboretum as the kids play with him when we go for walks, and I think they would have spotted him.

"I've called the police and am expecting them to come out to see me."

Phil Buckley, a spokes-man for the Kennel Club, said: "There are some dog-napping rings, but in most cases they are opportunist crooks who get involved in all sorts of low level crime.

"Gone are the times when people can leave their dog in the garden for 10 minutes and pop out."

Mr Buckley said it was important owners had their pets micro-chipped by a vet, which costs £20 and lasts for the life of the dog.

He also reminded owners not to leave dogs alone in cars, tied up outside shops or in the garden when the house is empty.

The website www.dog lost.co.uk details the theft of six lurchers from Worcester in the last month. Three were stolen from the same property on Friday, March 10, and three more, from a different house, on Tuesday March 14.

We reported the theft of seven chihauhuas from Bromsgrove on Sunday, February 26, and in December we highlighted the concerns of Brentknoll Veterinary Centre, which reported five disappearances in 10 days. The dogs taken then were an akita, a beagle, a yorkie, a golden retriever and another Staffordshire bull terrier. Across the border an English springer spaniel bitch was stolen from Bromyard last Thursday.

A spokesman for Worces-ter Police said he was not aware of any on-going dog-napping cases in the county, but anyone with any information about dog thefts can call them on 08457 444888.

Anyone wanting further information about microchipping can log on to www.petlog.org.uk or ring the Kennel Club on

0870 6066750.