DOG thefts are not being reported to the police, despite a recent spate of incidents appearing on social media, says Salisbury Inspector David Minty.

Insp Minty says while his officers take the issue very seriously, they need people to report anything suspicious.

He said he was aware of only one recent theft in the Salisbury area involving two dogs from Whiteparish, one of which has now been reunited with its owner.

He also said there had been one report of an attempted dog theft in the Bishopdown area, but the alleged thieves had not actually tried to steal the dog, they had just knocked on someone's door.

Insp Minty said: "I have seen everything on social media and it does concern me.

"If you've got anything to report, come and tell us.

"It's a really horrible crime when it happens, but we are only aware of these two in Whiteparish in the Salisbury area."