Police warning about social media posts after "dog theft attempt" claim on Salisbury Plain
A post was shared hundreds of times yesterday (16th November)
Wiltshire Police are warning people about social media posts after one was shared lots on Facebook yesterday (Tuesday 16th November) claiming there had been a dog theft attempt near Milston on Salisbury Plain.
The post had suggested that a Landrover had its four tyres slashed while parked at the Milston side of Charlie Crossing and the owner was approached by a man who attempted to steal her dogs.
The force have confirmed that the vehicle did have it's tyres slashed, but that incident is being investigated by MOD Police.
However, they have also confirmed that at no point was an attempt made to steal the dogs, or abduct the owner, as the post suggested.
Officers have spoken with the victim of the criminal damage who has confirmed the attempted theft of her dogs did not take place and the social media post was not published by her.
Sgt Steve Jolly said:
“Social media posts of this nature can cause unnecessary upset and concern amongst the local community, which is very frustrating. We would like to reassure dog walkers in the area that there was no attempt to steal dogs on this occasion, neither was there an attempt to abduct the owner, as the post stated.
“We have today spoken with the victim who is extremely frustrated with the social media post. Please be reassured that officers will continue to conduct patrols to support enquiries in relation to the criminal damage incident and if you have any information in relation to this, please contact MOD police.”