The owners of a Chihuahua puppy believed to have been stolen from outside his home are appealing for the public’s help to find him.

Police are investigating reports of the theft of the dog, named Winston, from Lake Road in Verwood, after he ran off through an open gate.

A Facebook post by a member of the owners’ family said the puppy belonged to an elderly couple and claimed he was driven off in a blue Subaru – although police are yet to confirm this.