Police Rescue Dog Stolen From Farm In Hallaton After Chase Across Two Counties

A dog is back with its owners after being found by Police within two hours of being stolen from a farm in Hallaton.

The Springer Spaniel, named Lupin, was taken at around 10.15pm on Tuesday and found safe and well just after midnight, in the back of a vehicle over 50 miles away, near Newark in Nottinghamshire.

Officers in Lincolnshire first spotted the vehicle after being informed of the theft by Leicestershire Police and pursued it after it failed to stop.

The chase went into Nottinghamshire before the occupant abandoned the vehicle and fled of foot.

Despite a major search, they were not found.

Detective Inspector Charles Edwards, from Market Harborough and Wigston CID said: “Our officers are currently investigating an incident where a dog was taken from a farm in Hallaton at around 10pm on Wednesday.

“It was reported that a vehicle had driven onto the farm and the occupants took the dog before making off.

“We were later informed the vehicle had been involved in a pursuit in Nottinghamshire, before being abandoned. We were informed the dog was found inside it has since been returned to its owner.

“Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we would ask anyone with information to contact us, quoting reference 21*123644.”

Lupin after being found by Police

Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re taking dog thefts extremely seriously, especially at this current time when there appears to have been a rise in these crimes nationally.

“This incident shows how we work collaboratively with our colleagues across a wide area to track down any suspect and reach a positive conclusion for our victims.

“I’m glad that the dog was unharmed and that we were able to return him safely to his owner within two hours of being stolen.”