POLICE are investigating the theft of seven working dogs from a farm in Lynchmere last Friday and Monday this week.

Two springer spaniels and a cocker spaniel were stolen between 7.30 and 8.30am, on January 11.

And three terriers and a cocker spaniel were stolen between 5pm on January 14, and 7.30am the following morning.

Sergeant Jon Chapman, of Sussex Police, said: "We have been working closely with Hampshire Constabulary following a spate of similar dog thefts and are following a number of lines of enquiry which I am unable to discuss any further due to operational sensitivities.

"Police will be maintaining high visibility patrols in the area, monitoring any suspicious activity and officers will be speaking to any local people who may be concerned. This is the only instance of theft of working dogs in Chichester district that we have been made aware of."

Officers are appealing for anyone with information regarding the thefts, or anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Lynchmere area to contact Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.