CHESHIRE Police has moved to reassure people online over current fears of domestic dog theft.

On Tuesday, August 18 a 55-year-old woman was left 'shaken up' after theives attempted to prize her do off her in broad daylight near Malpas.

Surrounding this incident social media pages have been flooded with concerned residents reporting on various posts regarding potential dog thieves, urging people to remain vigilant.

Despite this incident and the social media posts, Sergeant Rob Simpson from Cheshire Rural Crime Team (RCT) says the reports are not reflective of the real picture.

"We're seeing a number of people posting on social media their concerns re people attempting to steal domestic dogs in places across Cheshire," said Sgt Simpson.

"What's on social media isn't what is currently being reported to the police though and so I'd ask that people do report what they have witnessed at the earliest opportunity.

"There maybe some duplication going on and it's key to establish who exactly and what exactly has been seen.

"People understandably are very passionate about their dogs and its causing quite a bit of anxiety for those of you who may be taking your pets out for walks in remote areas of the county.

"The RCT are not leading the investigation, as this type of crime would fall to the local policing teams that do also police rural areas. This is due to the dogs being domestic pets.

"We are though, very much aware of the information that has been reported to the police and will help tackle the concerns, stop any linked vehicles and deal with any suspects, just as we would with any other crime or incident."