Desperate appeal after three spaniels stolen from truck at Owlcotes Shopping Centre Pudsey

The three dogs all live in the same Leeds household and belong to couple Ian Atkinson and Juliette Bunce.

The pair had been at work on Saturday and had nipped into Marks and Spencer for their tea when the dogs were taken.

Ian's son, Chris Atkinson, said the pair were "devastated".

"They are distraught," he said. "Juliette hasn't slept for two days.

"They treat them like they are their children - it's their life.

"They are both devastated. To have three go is just horrendous."

The dogs were taken sometime between 4.35pm and 5.14pm on Saturday.

Chris, who also lives in Leeds, said his dad had noticed a vehicle reversing close to his truck, which he had thought was unusual as the car park was close to being empty.

The thieves somehow managed to bypass the vehicle's security as there was no damage to it.

Tools were also taken.

A witness reported seeing two men in a black, four-door Vauxhall Corsa.

The car was described as scruffy with a noisy exhaust.

The men were described as white, aged in their mid-to late-thirties, and scruffy and unkempt.

Chris, 27, added: "We just hope that they have been taken to try to sell on and that enough people see this and report it.

"It's the not knowing where they are or if they are safe.

"We are hoping for the best."

Chris's dad is offering to compensate anyone who buys the dogs unknowingly.

The family will be heading to Owlcotes to try to track down CCTV footage of the theft taking place.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating the theft of three dogs and a quantity of tools from the boot of a car that was parked at Marks and Spencer at the Owlcotes Shopping Centre, in Pudsey, between 4.35pm and 5.14pm on Saturday (22/8).

"Witnesses reported seeing two men in a black, four-door Vauxhall Corsa. The car was described as scruffy with a noisy exhaust. The men were described as white, aged in their mid to late thirties, and scruffy and unkempt.

"Enquiries are ongoing to trace the vehicle and identify the men.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference 13200423435 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat"

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