OFFICERS are appealing for the public’s help to find a dog stolen from a van in West Parley.

On the morning of Friday September 18, the dog’s owner was cutting the grass at an address on Longfield Drive while Cookie the cockapoo was in an unlocked Volkswagen Transporter van parked on the corner of New Road and Longfield Drive.

At around midday they discovered Cookie was missing.

It is reported that Cookie was seen on CCTV at around 11.50am getting out of the van and walking toward someone who was hidden from view.

Cookie is a tan-coloured Cockapoo and was wearing a blue collar with a silver tag on it. She is also chipped.

Police Sergeant Carmel Ryan, of Dorset Police, said: “Cookie’s owners have been left devastated by this incident and they are desperate to find her.

“This happened on a very busy road and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and either witnessed the incident or knows where Cookie is to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am also really keen to hear from any motorists who were travelling in the area between 11.30am and 12.30pm and may have captured relevant dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200140885.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.