Pole cat and ferret stolen from back garden: Campbell Road, Burton
(BH23 - Wednesday, 12 May, 2010)

Officers in Christchurch are appealing for witnesses and information from the public after a pole cat and ferret was stolen from a garden in Burton.

At 10.55am, on Thursday, 29 April 2010, police were called by a member of the public who claimed that they saw a young man acting suspiciously at the back of a property on Campbell Road, Burton.

Police Constable Fiona Hinks, of Christchurch Police, said:

"A young man was seen by a neighbour to be climbing over a fence, clutching his clothing in his waist area.

"The owner of the property, a 73-year-old man, was out at the time, but later discovered that a brown and cream pole cat and a dog ferret were missing from their cage in the garden."

The suspect is described as:

• aged around sixteen years old
• wearing dark clothing and a hoody

PC Hinks said:

"I am appealing for anyone who saw a young man acting suspiciously in the Burton area that day - Thursday, 29 April 2010.

"I also would like to hear from anyone who may have been offered for sale a ferret or pole cat in a suspicious manner or has come across information leading to the whereabouts of these animals."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or01305 22 22 22.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Campbell Road
Burton
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23