DOGNAPPERS are being hunted by police after a poodle was snatched from a van outside its Fareham home.

The owners of the pedigree poodle, called Ted, are appealing to the thieves to return their pet who has recently had an operation.

Police say the miniature poodle was taken from a Volkswagon Transporter van outside his owner's home in Osborne Road, Warsash, between 9.30pm on Saturday March 14 and 9am on Sunday March 15.

PC Ian Hunter said: "Ted's owners are very concerned about his welfare as he has recently had an operation and requires antibiotics to ensure he doesn't get an infection.

"Ted is a pedigree dog so it is possible that whoever took him is planning to try and sell him, but I would urge them to return him to his owners or to the police as he could become quite ill if he doesn't receive his antibiotics.

"I would also appeal to anyone who has been offered a dog like Ted for sale to contact us with any information they may have."

Anyone with any information about the theft of Ted should contact PC Hunter at Fareham police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.