Rutland MP Alicia Kearns is seeing what more can be done to tackle the growing problem of dog theft.

Her move follows a springer spaniel being stolen from a farm at Hallaton earlier this month and many cases being reported nationally.

The MP said on social media yesterday: "There's been a worryingly high number of dog thefts in our communities over the past few months. These are the acts of serious organised crime groups, and very rarely opportunistic acts.

"We must crack down on this, so I've written to the Chief Constable asking for an assessment of what more can be done to protect these members of our families.

However, Rutland Police said at the weekend: "Local officers are fully aware of the concern our local Rutland residents have around the fear of dog thefts.

"We accept that groups are sharing information from neighbouring force areas where this despicable crime has or is taking place.

"As a team we would encourage any Rutland resident that has been a victim of this crime to come forward and report it to us using the correct reporting methods.

"For clarity it is important to inform the public that as an area (Rutland), we've not had any reported thefts of dogs this year.

"Our four legged friends are part of the family and we will treat any reported (directly to us), theft as such."

The Rural Crime Rutland group responded: "Thank you for speaking up about this. Although in Rutland the numbers of dog theft attempts are minimal. Our friends over the border in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire haven't been so lucky. It needs sorting out.

"Are you aware that at the moment dog theft attempts aren't recorded specifically by police forces? I'm sure you're also aware that someone who steals a pet is charged under "theft of property" so is no more than if you had your wallet stolen. A lot to be changed but it's certainly gaining momentum now."

Constituents supported Mrs Kearns in her call, with one also noting that Nottinghamshire Police now has a dedicated officer to deal with the issue.