Ross-on-Wye resident Charlotte Sullivan wants to warn dog owners to be on their guard if they have deliveries to their home. Charlotte, who breeds dogs and is the founder of Petstep Network, which campaigns to improve dog breeding standards, was horrified when her brother, Richard Guttfield, who lives in Buckinghamshire, told how his miniature schnauzer was stolen by a delivery driver.

Richard realised 11-month-old Wilma was missing moments after a driver delivered dog food he had ordered online.

Charlotte, who bred Wilma, knew how upset her brother was and tried to help by sharing reports of her disappearance. After five days frantically searching the neighbourhood, and having no reported sightings, Charlotte told the Gazette that her sister approached the delivery company. She told the Gazette that when the depot manager tracked the delivery drivers’ movements Wilma was found.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police told the Ross Gazette: “Thames Valley Police officers are investigating following a report of a theft of a dog from an address in Watery Lane, Marsworth.

“The incident occurred on Friday (April 27th) between 11.30am and 12pm. The dog has since been safely returned to its owner.

“An investigation is taking place to establish the circumstances of the incident. No arrests have yet been made.”