A DOG owner spoke of his devastation last night after five of his animals were stolen.

Stephen Winspear discovered that his two black Labradors, a Belgian shepherd puppy, a red and black Dutch shepherd and a black cocker spaniel puppy had been taken from his kennels at allotments on Kilton Lane, Carlin How, East Cleveland.

He said the two remaining dogs were "very frightened" and one was screaming in distress when he got there on Saturday morning (Jan 17).

All the dogs except the Belgian shepherd were micro-chipped and Mr Winspear says the animals are friendly and trusting.

"I am just really worried about how they are feeling now," he said. "The people who took them came through a sky light and dragged the dogs through a tiny opening.

"When I got there one of the dogs that was left was screaming with fear. I've brought them home now - I'll never keep them in those kennels again. They were really nice kennels, they had lovely beds and everything, and I went up to walk them three times a day, but I won't leave them there again."

As well as the dogs, ten bags of dog food, two coats, a head torch and a walking stick were also taken.

Police said the thieves made concerted efforts to get through the security on, and around, the kennels, and officers believe two or more people must have been involved, and would have needed transport, possibly a large van, to take the dogs away.

Mr Winspear said police were looking at road cameras to see if they could spot the vehicle that was used.

Cleveland Police said they were appealing for information, especially from anyone who may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area recently.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.