‘Dognapping’ pair hunted
Ex-boxer fought off would-be thieves
POLICE have released an e-fit of a man they want to speak to after an attempted dog theft in Carmarthenshire.
The incident happened on a popular coastal path near Llanelli and was reported to police by a member of the public who said two men approached him and his dog as they were out for a walk.
The pair made attempts to take the dog during the ordeal, which happened on the Millennium Coastal Path, near Bynea, on February 5. However, the dog walker was able to retrieve the animal before immediately calling police.
A e-fit image of one man that police want to speak to in connection with the incident has now been released. He is described as being in his 40s, around 6ft tall, and of stocky build. He was believed to be wearing light blue jeans and a dark puffer jacket.
The other man is described as wearing similar clothing and being in his 20s and around 5ft 6in tall.
Detective Inspector Llyr Williams of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are working extremely hard to catch the men responsible for this attempted theft of a family pet.
“Our officers are aware of the impact this incident has had on the community and are keen to progress this investigation with your support.”
Reports of dog thefts and attempted dog thefts are on the rise across Wales, and Dyfed-Powys Police has set up a task force to investigate the rise in cases in the force area.
Officers working on Operation Rhinestone are continuing to monitor information passed on by the public but the force has said it has received no further reports of dog walkers being approached in this manner.
Neighbourhood policing teams are carrying out increased patrols in many areas and passing on advice to dog walkers.
Chief Inspector Mark McSweeney, who is leading the operation, said: “We understand how emotive this type of crime is. My dog plays a huge part in our family and I know we need to get this right. But we can’t do this on our own. We need your help.”
Police are also reminding people to not put their own personal safety at risk if they are targeted by dog thieves but to instead call police immediately on 999.