POLICE have warned dog owners to be alert after a number of animal thefts that have been linked with strange markings left on properties.

Officers at Darlington Police said there had been a number of dogs stolen across County Durham and Darlington in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

While investigating those incidents, police have also received reports of "peculiar" markings being found on gates, doors and kerbs outside properties.

It is thought that the markings, which can be letters, symbols, or simply chalk lines. may be being used by potential thieves to identify houses with dogs living there, with a view to stealing them at a later date or alerting others to the location.

A police spokesman said: "We would encourage all dog owners to pay attention to their properties and report any such instances to the police as well as taking extra care when walking their pets as to who is watching them enter their property."

Have you seen strange markings around your property? If you have any pictures, send them to newsdesk@nne.co.uk