Twelve border collie puppies stolen from Parsonage Farm in Bramshaw

POLICE are investigating the theft of 12 border collie puppies and a dog from a farm in Bramshaw while workers were lambing early in the morning.

Appealing for witnesses, Hampshire police said that seven people were seen walking around Parsonage Farm around 1.40am this morning (Tuesday).

When the farm hands returned from lambing they discovered the dogs had gone and the group were seen fleeing the scene. The thieves had also broken into "numerous" buildings in an apparent attempt to find machinery.

Police are now appealing for people to keep an eye out for border collie puppies being offered for sale.

The force said: “We appreciate that these events will have a significant impact on the local rural community, and we are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or perhaps caught any people or vehicles in the vicinity on CCTV to come forward.

“It is likely that these puppies will be sold via online websites and platforms, so we are asking residents to be aware in case they see a litter of border collie puppies being advertised locally at a cut-down price.”

Those with information should phone 101, quoting crime reference number 44220083039.

Alternatively report online at www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report