Police in Basingstoke are appealing for information following the theft of a puppy in Popley on Saturday, March 31.

Violet, a six-month-old black Jack Russell Cross, was last seen in the back garden of her Abbey Road home at 1pm on Saturday.

Two other dogs were in the garden when the puppy went missing.

Violet has white pits on her paws and was wearing a brown collar.

PC Daniel Carter, of Basingstoke police station, said: “This incident occurred during the middle of the day when there must have been a number of people around, especially as it happened at the beginning of the half term break.

“Thefts like this are rare and we are keen to trace the puppy and reunite her with her owner as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Carter at Basingstoke police station on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.