A dog was stolen in Evesham. The victim was walking their 4-year-old, female Jack Russell on Larkspur Drive, Evesham, when a man picked the dog up and ran off towards Evesham town centre.

He is described as a white male, early 30s, 5ft 8, medium build, wearing a green bomber jacket, with jeans & black trainers.

The incident occurred at 5.30pm on Monday.

Police urge that anyone with information on the incident please contact the police on 101 quoting the above reference 0619S230418, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The news comes as it was revealed at least five dogs are stolen a day, with 'devastating' effects on families, experts say.

According to police force data at least five dogs a day are stolen in England and Wales but DogLost, the UK’s largest lost and found dog service believes it could be double that figure.

A petition set up seeking tougher sentencing for the theft of a companion animal by Dr Daniel Allen of Keele University has now reached over 50,000 signatures.

He said: "People do not steal dogs to love them, they use them, they abuse them, and they treat them like disposable objects.

"Dog theft is a gateway to wider animal cruelty, including puppy farming and dog fighting, and should be connected to wider concerns about dog welfare.

"Pet theft is a cruel and devastating crime, made all the more painful when the law refers to family pets as ‘personal items’. Dogs are family - the law needs to reflect that."