Great Western Coffee Shop

CAN YOU HELP BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE REUNITE FAMILY WITH STOLEN PETS?

British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for the public^s help to reunite a heartbroken family with their beloved pets this Christmas.

Stephen Pring had parked in the car park next to Llanharan railway station, South Wales, last Friday, 9 December, while he called to a nearby shop.

When he returned to his locked car, he discovered both his Jack Russell dogs had been stolen.

Distraught Mr Pring said he and wife Nicola, along with their three children, were still struggling to come to terms with the loss of Patch and Meg.

^To be honest, I didn^t sleep a wink Friday night after it happened,^ said 48-year-old Mr Pring. ^We are all devastated, particularly my 11-year-old son. It^s really upset us all but it^s hit him particularly hard. They are our family pets who we^ve had since they were puppies and they come everywhere with us. I only called in on my way home after going to feed the horses. I just can^t believe this has happened.^

The incident, which took place just after 11.40am, is being investigated by British Transport Police.

Detective Inspector Mark Cleland, of BTP Cardiff, said: ^The entire family have been left devastated as a result of this callous act. How a person could do such a thing, particularly at this time of year, is beyond me. The theft of the two dogs has had a devastating impact on the family ^ particularly the youngest child, who is utterly heartbroken.

^We are doing everything in our power to reunite this family with their beloved pets and would appeal to the public to help give them the best Christmas present possible ^ the return of Patch and Meg.^

Patch, a black and white male, is four to five years old and described as quite small.

The second dog, Meg, is a female aged five-and-a-half to six, brown and black with a little bit of white. Mr Pring said she has a bad rear leg and, as a result, walks with a limp.

Both dogs have short tails and neither was chipped or wearing a collar.

Having viewed CCTV footage from the scene, officers have identified a vehicle and three individuals they would like to trace.

^A car, which we believe could be a silver or light coloured Mazda 6 MPS, containing three occupants, entered the car park shortly after the victim parked his vehicle there,^ said DI Cleland. ^We are very keen to speak to the occupants of this car as we believe they may have key information which could assist us in our investigation. If you were in this vehicle on the day in question, or if you know anyone who owns a car matching this description, I would urge you to get in touch.^

If you recognise the vehicle or have any information that could assist police with their enquiries, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background log B6/WCA of 15/12/2011. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.