POLICE in Darlington are appealing to the better nature of opportunist thieves who stole a pet dog.

The five-year-old black and white Yorkshire Terrier was taken from a field at Neasham Springs, near Darlington, at about 10am on Monday.

The dog had wandered to the edge of the field when a blue and silver Ford Ka pulled up and the animal was enticed into the vehicle.

A police spokesman said the distraught owner had spent a lot of money on vets' bills for the animal lately and was pleading for its safe return.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 742124.