Appeal for missing pet

Now Suzi Richardson, of De La Warr Road, is warning others to be aware that dog theft is a threat in this area.

She is also appealing for little Tinkerbell to be returned and is offering a 100 reward.

Suzi said she let the miniature Yorkshire Terrier, two years old, into the garden on Wednesday February 17 for just a few minutes at approximately 6.50pm.

"What always happens is she runs to the end of the garden barking. But 15 seconds later I opened the door to call her back in and it was all quiet.

"She had vanished."

The property is fenced off securely so Suzi is certain that Tinkerbell could not squeeze out through a hole.

Her initial thought was the dog might have been taken by a fox but there were no signs at all of an attack.

Suzi remembers that a few nights before she had heard footsteps on the gravel driveway and now wonders if someone was watching the house with a view to stealing the pedigree dog to sell her.

Having contacted Sussex Police about the disappearance she commented: "I didn't realise before how many dogs are stolen from gardens. So now I just want people to be really careful...don't leave these expensive little dogs unattended in the garden. "It is awful '“ and there is the violation of thinking that someone has been watching."

She is hoping that anyone with information about the dog will contact her via the Bexhill Observer.

Tinkerbell is approximately the size of a litre drink carton in height, and a noticeable feature is discoloured teeth which is unusual in such a young animal.

Tinkerbell is not keen on men, and tends to yap at them, but is happy with women and children. She is quite highly strung and nervous, but a "sweet" character and always attracts attention.