DOG owners in Lochgelly are being warned to keep a close eye on their canine companions amid concerns that thieves could be working in the area.

Police received a call last Saturday from a concerned member of the public who believed she was almost the victim of the thieves. At 8pm on Saturday evening she was approached at the entrance to the public park at The Avenue, Lochgelly, by two men who were looking to take her German Shepherd.

The men claimed they had lost a similar dog and thought the woman had found it. They had intended to take the dog away in their van, a blue transit, but when the woman challenged them, they drove off.

The men were described as being around 6ft tall and wearing tracksuits. One had black hair, the other had reddish hair, and both spoke with English accents.

Detective sergeant Kelly McEwan, of Cowdenbeath CID, confirmed that they are investigating the incident, and said, “If anyone has any information of this or any similar incident please contact the police on 101.” Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said, “It is very important that owners supervise their animals when they are outdoors and remain cautious.

“We also recommend that people microchip their pets as soon as possible so that, should they go missing, there is a much greater chance of them being identified and returned to their owner.

“Thefts or attempted thefts should always be reported to the police.”