A COUPLE whose Springer Spaniel puppy vanished from their garden fear she may have been stolen and sold on for cash.Volunteers working to trace lost dogs believe Russell and Sharon Delaney, from Ashbocking, near Ipswich, have fallen victim to a growing trend of thieves stealing pets to sell on for up to £200.

A COUPLE whose Springer Spaniel puppy vanished from their garden fear she may have been stolen and sold on for cash.

Volunteers working to trace lost dogs believe Russell and Sharon Delaney, from Ashbocking, near Ipswich, have fallen victim to a growing trend of thieves stealing pets to sell on for up to £200.

Mr Delaney, who had only returned from honeymoon for a few days when their puppy Lola disappeared at 7pm on July 6, said: “Lola was in the garden and I could see her from the utility room. She went out of sight and I immediately ran out into the garden and she was gone.

“We searched the garden and around the house before scouring the streets and she was nowhere to be seen. She never strayed and could not have travelled that far on her own in two minutes. The only conclusion is she was picked up and taken away by someone in a car.”

The couple have now saved for a cash reward that is being offered for the safe return of black and white Lola, who was wearing a red collar when she went missing, and was their 14-year-old daughter Jasmin's pet.

N The family are offering a cash reward and if you can help trace Lola call 01473 785435. For more information on crime prevention, or to visit Lola's page at www.doglost.co.uk