BARBED wire and secure windows did not stop determined thieves breaking into Nutshaw Kennels in Burnley and stealing four valuable puppies.

Missing from the premises in Manchester Road are two golden retrievers, a dog and a bitch, aged 14 to 15 weeks.

The dog has a scar on the lower lid of its left eye.

Also taken were a black and tan Yorkie dog, aged 10 and a half weeks, and a cream coloured cairn bitch of a similar age worth £1,100.

Owner of the kennels Margaret Hancock is hoping history will repeat itself and her appeal in the press will lead to the puppies being returned.

She said: "About 20 years ago when my dad had the business a similar thing happened and we got phone calls from people all over Burnley and we got some of the puppies back."

The kennels are protected by a 6ft wire fence with three rows of barbed wire.

The thieves removed a complete window pane to get into the puppy area.

Mrs Hancock said: "I am very concerned for the well-being of the dogs because they are only young.

"They are pedigree puppies but they have no papers because they are all kept separate. We are offering a reward for the safe return of the dogs and anyone who knows where they are can contact us on 01282 428617 or call into Burnley police station."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.