DOGS were stolen from an addresses in Flintshire over the weekend.

North Wales Police's (NWP) Rural Crime Team said the two cocker spaniels stolen from a property in Higher Kinnerton over the weekend, as well as two six-month-old Jack Russell puppies from a property in Bretton, near Broughton, on Sunday night.

The Leader: The two Jack Russell puppies stolen on Sunday night.The two Jack Russell puppies stolen on Sunday night.

They describe the thefts as "absolutely devastating" for the owners and are appealing for the help of the public to get the dogs home.

One of the dogs stolen in the Higher Kinnerton theft is named 'Susie' and is liver coloured and the other, 'Spring' (male), is all white with a black face.

A spokesperson for the Rural Crime Team said: "Criminals are seeing dog theft as easy money now and they really dont care about the devastation they cause to the families.

"This is a disgraceful crime. The dogs are family members.

"We are warning all dog owners - please take care of your dog."

NWP Flintshire South Inspector Iwan Jones urged anyone who has seen suspicious activity to get in touch with North Wales Police.

“It’s not as prolific as you might see on social media but we are seeing an increase in these incidents,” he said.

“We had one the other week where we were able to return the dog to the owner – the investigation is ongoing with that one.

“We are aware of these other thefts and obviously investigations are ongoing with those. We’re working with the owners to try and get their dogs back.

“I’d urge anyone who has information to call us on 101 and if it’s happening there and then, call 999.”

Speaking of the impact such offences have on owners and their families, he added: “It’s massive. It’s not just the loss of a dog, it’s the loss of a family member. They are such a big part of our lives.

“We do prioritise these types of crimes where it has such a big impact on people and their families.”

The Leader: The two stolen cockers paniels. The two stolen cockers paniels.