Police are re-appealing to the public for their help in locating a dog that was stolen in Colney Heath.

Max, a two-year-old brown and white Shih Tzu crossed with a Cavalier King Charles, was stolen three months ago but officers are hoping to reunite him with his owners in time for Christmas.

A 16-year-old boy had been walking Max along Hall Gardens just after 9pm on Wednesday, September 10, when the offender approached him and took his mobile.

As he attempted to get away the offender got caught in the dog lead and so picked up the dog and took it with him.

He went to a car parked nearby, a white BMW 1 series, where two other males were waiting and they drove off.

The suspect who took the dog is described as a white male aged around 16 or 17 years old, average build and around 5ft 10ins tall.

He had short shaven dark hair and was wearing a dark coloured tracksuit.

The victim’s mother said: "As a family we are absolutely devastated. A phone is replaceable but Max isn’t.

"Someone out there knows something about this incident and I would ask them to do the decent thing and contact the police or Crimestoppers. We just want our dog back."

Detective Constable Stuart Bence said: "As any dog-lover can understand, the family have been left extremely upset by the theft of their beloved pet Max and wish to be reunited with him as quickly as possible.

"Anyone who has information about this crime, or knows where Max might be, should contact me straight away.

"Please call me via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number F3/14/1258. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."