A SPATE of dog thefts in Hampshire and Oxfordshire could have an Andover connection.

In recent months seven dogs have been stolen in the area around Andover with four going from Winchester, one from Basingstoke, one from St Mary Bourne and another from Quarley.

But a woman from Oxfordshire, whose two Saluki cross-breed dogs were stolen from her home, says she believes a man from the Andover area is responsible.

Andover Pc Ted Reynolds said: "There is an ongoing inquiry in relation to allegations that there maybe a local connection."

Police are keeping an open mind about the possibility of links between all of the dog thefts. In most cases they have been quality animals and spaniels have been the most targeted dogs in Hampshire.

The owner of a dog stolen from the back of a Land Rover last week has offered £1,000 for information leading to its recovery. The short-haired German pointer called Chase was being trained in the area as a gun dog when it was taken from a Land Rover parked in Bush Lane, Quarley.

Owner Mr Neil Cant, aged 43, who comes from Lymington, said when the trainer returned to the vehicle there was no sign of the dog, which is worth about £500.

And he has asked anyone who can help to ring either 01264 889467 or 07768 632567. Or they can ring Andover police station on 0845 045 4545.

The owner of two terriers apparently dog-napped by someone in a white van has also put up a reward for their safe return.

The two dogs, Strima and Megan, were fighting with a cat in a St Mary Bourne street when they were taken - and they have not been seen since.

Owner David Hafner, of The Rank Close, said they were snatched on Friday evening after the two escaped onto the road outside.

"The door must have been on the latch and blown open," said Mr Hafner, who has put up £50 reward. "Usually they are on the lead."

The cat was injured and taken to the vets, but it has survived the ordeal.

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to contact Whitchurch police on 0845 045 4545