Shropshire dog owners on alert as X marks the spot for burglars

A number of garden fences and sheds in Oswestry have been daubed with a white painted X during the day, which police say could be marking where owners of Staffordshire bull terriers live.

West Mercia Police said it had received two reports from owners of the breed, but said it was aware of many other cases.

PCSO Andy Neeves, of Oswestry police, said: "We believe there are many more cases and there is a suspicion that it could be people looking to take the dogs.

"Because of their nature we are worried they could be trained for fighting if stolen and want owners to be on guard, but this is not something we definitely know is happening."

One resident who has had an X painted on her property, Llinos Rastall, 23, said: "I heard a number of houses in Cabin Lane, around the corner from me in Balmoral Crescent had been daubed and then on Tuesday my house was next.

"I called the police and they came around and told me to paint over the marking and to make sure everything in the house is secure at all times of the day and to keep a light or two on overnight. I put a picture of the X on my Facebook and have been inundated with people sharing similar stories.

"Some people seem to think it is an 'X marks the spot' tactic used by burglars to target what houses they think have valuables."

But Miss Rastall, an assistant manager with car firm Motormania, who lives with partner Daniel Evans, thinks it could be related to her dog.

She said: "From speaking to people, a recurring theme seems to be that it could be because they know we have a Staffy and it could be targeted to be taken to turn into a fighting dog."

PCSO Neeves added: "If you have the marking on your property, take a photo, wash it off and call us on 101."