West Highland Terriers are thought to be the target of dog-nappers in the Telford area, it has been claimed.

Thieves thought to be stealing to order are dog-napping valuable pedigree West Highland terriers across Telford, it has been claimed.

A number of owners have fallen victim to the thieves and, as yet, none of the dogs have been recovered. It is thought young, un-neutered dogs are on the thieves’ shopping list and are then being used for breeding.

The head nurse at a town veterinary practice said on Saturday that the number of thefts had become a worrying trend.

Marian Peters, of the Companion Care veterinary practice in the Pets at Home store on the Wrekin Retail Park in Telford, said: “A definite pattern has been emerging.

“We have had about half a dozen westies reported stolen to us over the last three weeks. All the dogs were young, had not been neutered and were presumably stolen to order. The sheer number of thefts has made us suspicious.

“One lady owner was left very distressed after her house was broken into and her dog taken. Another gentleman had two dogs taken from his back garden. He has CCTV security and all he can see on the film is hooded figures.”

Mrs Peters said there was no evidence to prove a gang was at work but she urged owners of West Highland terriers to be cautious.

She said: “I would just like people to be aware that this is happening. Owners should take extra care, particularly if they have young, un-neutered westies.

“Even if they are microchipped that may not help, unless they are taken to a vets by the thieves. We always carry out checks when new dogs are brought in, particularly young ones, just to find out where they have come from.”

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said there had been one reported incident of a West Highland terrier being stolen in Hadley on March 26.

Anyone with information is urged to call Telford police on 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Simon Hardy