In the latest theft a five-year-old lurcher was taken from its owner's back garden in Linton, near Swadlincote, during the weekend.

A family from nearby Overseal also had their lurcher stolen in February, and earlier this month a Jack Russell terrier was taken from Church Gresley.

John Bradford, the victim of the latest theft, said it had been very upsetting for all the family.

"I'm absolutely stunned. I'm gutted. I just feel hollow.

"My daughter has been crying all night and cried herself to sleep.

"We have had it from a baby. I have had all these dogs all my life. I have had them for 30 years."