DOG owners are being reassured that reports being circulated of thefts of pets in the Salisbury area are thought to be a hoax.
Messages have been posted on facebook by well-meaning dog owners about a number of near misses in the city and a white van being driven around by people looking for dogs to take.
But Wiltshire Police says it has not received any reports of dogs being stolen in the city.
And Jo Blake of Salisbury Dogs Trust said: “I don’t know of any cases in the Salisbury area but there has been a real spate of it over the last 12 months in the south west – it can be linked to an increase in rural crime.
“The key message is to really be vigilant and keep an eye on your dog and make sure it’s micro-chipped.”
Anyone who has been a victim of dog snatching can call Wiltshire Police on 101.
*A free micro-chipping weekend is taking place at Dogs Trust Salisbury on March 23 and 24 from 10am to 3pm.
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