A DISTRAUGHT Copeland dog owner claims a man attempted to steal her beloved pet.

Mackenzie Leder, of Cleator Moor, says the incident happened at St Bees caravan site early Monday morning. It involved her pet collie lurcher cross called Murphy.

The 22-year-old said: "I let Murphy out at about 6.45am. I was standing on the step having a fag. I shouted for him but he didn't come back. 

"I went to end of the road and I saw a man holding Murphy by the scruff of the neck. I shouted at him to let go of the dog and he swore at me. 

"He tried to pick up Murphy, but because he's a collie cross lurcher he's quite big. He was moving around and managed to wriggle free.

"Murphy ran towards me and ran into the caravan."

"It's unbearable to think if the man had actually taken him," she said.

She reported the incident to Cumbria Police. And she posted a message on Facebook which has been shared over 4,300 times.

Cumbria Police says it has received a number of reports around the perceived suspicious activity of two vehicles in West Cumbria. 

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harwood said: “Rumours and speculation has been building on social media in the last couple of days surrounding suspicious activity from two vehicles. Police have followed up enquires from members of the public, and no evidence of criminal activity has been found. 

“I want to reassure the members of our local communities that although there have been rumours circulating on social media of potential house marking and dog thefts no such incidents have been reported to us and our enquiries to date have not disclosed any such incidents in West Cumbria or across the wider county of Cumbria. 

“However, if anyone has been a victim of crime I would urge them to get in touch and report it so that we can investigate.”