Salisbury Plain dog theft confirmed as false by Wiltshire Police

Wiltshire Police have been made aware of a post on social media relating to an attempted dog theft on Salisbury Plain yesterday (16th November 2021) which they have confirmed is false.

The social media post states that a Landrover had its four tyres slashed while parked at the Milston side of C-crossing, and the owner was approached by a man who attempted to steal her dogs.

The police have confirmed that the vehicle did have its tyres slashed and that this incident of criminal damage is being investigated by MOD police. However, at no point was an attempt made to steal the dogs, or abduct the owner, as the post suggested.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said, “Officers have today spoken with the victim of the criminal damage who has confirmed the attempted theft of her dogs did not take place and the social media post was not published by her”.

Sgt Steve Jolly added, “Social media posts of this nature can cause unnecessary upset and concern amongst the local community, which is very frustrating. We would like to reassure dog walkers in the area that there was no attempt to steal dogs on this occasion, neither was there an attempt to abduct the owner, as the post stated.

“We have today spoken with the victim who is extremely frustrated with the social media post. Please be reassured that officers will continue to conduct patrols to support enquiries in relation to the criminal damage incident and if you have any information in relation to this, please contact MOD police“.