THIEVES are believed to have taken a one year old chihuahua puppy called Poppy from a garden leaving a family heartbroken.

The dog was fastened to a lead in the front garden of Wykeham Avenue in Guisborough where householder Les Wilson was cutting the hedge.

Mr Wilson saw a travelling scrap dealer’s wagon turning in the end of the cul-de-sac and shortly afterwards noticed that the dog was missing, although the lead was still fastened to the gate.

He made frantic efforts to trace this wagon but was unsuccessful and has now contacted his friends to circulate the details of his dog on social media and reported it to the Police. He has now offered a £100 reward for the return of the dog.

Mr Wilson said, “I was gardening working on the hedge and the dog was on the lead near the drive. I turned round and the lead was dangling. I saw a scrappies’ wagon come and go and turn round and didn’t realise then that they had probably taken the dog. I have put up a £100 reward.”

Mr Wilson's wife, Lynda, said, “I’m absolutely devastated. It will really upset my granddaughter, she loves Poppy even more than me.”