AN appeal has been launched to find a dog that was stolen from a van in Verwood.

Dorset Police says the theft happened at around 4.40pm yesterday (Wednesday, November 11) and that the dog’s owner was working in the area while the Parsons Russell crossed with a Jack Russell was in an unlocked van, which was parked on Coronation Road.

It is reported that two people were seen on CCTV to pull up in a car and have a look around the van, before one of them opened the van door and took Perdy the dog.

Police say Perdy may be fluffier and lighter than in the image due to her winter coat.

Police Community Support Investigator Steve Willis, of East Dorset police, said: “The owner of Perdy is desperate to be reunited with her and we are carrying out a number of enquiries in a bid to locate her.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen Perdy, or has information about her whereabouts, to please get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists who were travelling along Coronation Road around the relevant time and may have captured any dashcam footage to assist my enquiries to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200170334. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.