POLICE have scotched rumours that Gornal is being targeted by pet thieves who tag houses with painted symbols.

Social media has been alive with stories of crosses being painted on houses to identify them as containing dogs which could be stolen, possibly to take part in cruel sport of dog-fighting or be sold on the internet.

However a spokesperson from West Midlands Police told the News that the force had no knowledge of crooks using this method operating in the Gornal area.

The spokesperson said: “There have been no reports of this nature recorded by police at Dudley and this does not appear to be a method currently being used by thieves.

"If anyone has any concerns then we would suggest people call West Midlands Police on 101 to report any suspicious behaviour."

It is estimated around 3,500 dogs are stolen each year in the UK and some are sold for several thousand pounds while unscrupulous criminals also return them to their owners after demanding a ransom.

Criminal gangs are believed to be getting bolder and more sophisticated in their methods and are known to have placed homes under surveillance before breaking-in to steal animals.

Cheshire Police reported last year lookouts had daubed the letter K outside houses where they may be planning to strike, sometimes after acting suspiciously or asking questions of dog owners.

According to the Pet Detectives agency, the most popular breeds of dogs for thieves are cocker and springer spaniels, working labradors and Staffordshire terriers.

Pugs and chihuahuas are also often taken by crooks and owners are urged to be wary if strangers take an interest in their dog and to never let them out of their sight or leave them in insecure locations.

Police also advise owners to microchip their pets to make them easier to identify if they go missing.