A Halstead police officer has moved to reassure residents after weeks of rumours that dognappers are on the loose.

Villagers living in Sible Hedingham have warned of men making signals when dogs bark, a woman approaching dogs after searching for a breeder and chalk marks appearing on certain houses.

Lisa Kent, 47, has asked dog owners to be on their guard after a woman knocked on her door in Parker Way, Halstead, claiming she was looking for a nearby dog breeder called Jan.

When she closed the door, Ms Kent looked out an open sidedoor into the alley next to her house and discovered the woman standing next to her two Bichon Frises, Bella and Poppy, who she bought for £450.

Parish councillor Sally Glenn, who owns greyhounds, also intends to set up a group Sunday morning dog walk so nervous residents can be with others.

PC Jim Carter, of Halstead Police, insisted their fears were unfounded.

He said: “From having a look at my logs, there doesn’t seem to be any reported thefts of dogs and there is nothing to suggest that people need to be up in arms or paranoid over it."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.