A VIGILANT neighbour foiled a gang s attempt to steal rescue dogs homed by an Outwell couple. Margaret and Ken Buck were alerted at about 6pm on Saturday after the neighbour spotted the men drive a 4x4 across a field at the rear of Nursery House and knock

A VIGILANT neighbour foiled a gang's attempt to steal rescue dogs homed by an Outwell couple.

Margaret and Ken Buck were alerted at about 6pm on Saturday after the neighbour spotted the men drive a 4x4 across a field at the rear of Nursery House and knock down the fence around the dog run.

The couple, who home greyhounds and lurchers, believe the raiders wanted the dogs for coursing. They have been contacting other dog owners in the area to warn them to make sure their dogs are secure.

Police have praised the prompt action of the neighbour but have warned anyone witnessing a similar incident not to confront a gang.

A police spokesman said: "In this case the action of the neighbour was prompt and timely in alerting the owners of the kennels and they did the right thing to call the police straight away. However, it is not a good idea to actually confront a group of people in circumstances like these."

He said owners should make sure their pets can be easily identified and dogs should always be kept in a secure environment.

Mrs Buck said: "We were outside at the front when our neighbour shouted that he thought the kennels were being broken into. They drove off across the field without getting any of the dogs but we have been ringing others to warn them to be extra careful."

She explained the kennels are alarmed but doors were open because of the warm weather.

The couple were targeted nearly three years ago when they had two dogs stolen. One was returned after being thrown from a vehicle at Coldham.

"I have never got over it," said Mrs Buck. "I still miss the other one. I wouldn't want anyone else to have to go through it.