THE owner of prized pooches that were bundled from her back garden has warned pet lovers about a 'major' dognapping problem.

Stephanie Bliss welcomed back the last of four beloved dogs last week after thieves slashed open her garden fence and snatched them from her Faringdon home on April 2.

The 67-year-old said it was 'incredible' that three-year-old Japanese Spitz Quincy was recovered, but has installed CCTV, alarms, guard dogs and an eight-foot high fence to ensure he stays safe in their home next to the family business Charney Kennels.

She said: "Dog theft is a huge trend. They are being taken from gardens and snatched from people in parks. It really is becoming a major problem.

"I've got two great big Mastiffs living with me. There is no way the thieves are coming back for more – they would get a huge shock if they did.

"I would definitely advise other kennel owners to put in extra protection."

Quincy was found in Birmingham last Friday after a woman claimed he followed her home from a park.

He was the last to be found after fellow Japanese Spitz's Kira and Dulcie and Cocker Spaniel Primrose were recovered days after the theft in Coventry and in Cowley – largely thanks to a widespread social media appeal.

Grandmother-of-one Mrs Bliss, who has been breeding and showing Spitz dogs for 35 years, said: "It was the most horrendous feeling, we were absolutely devastated. We never gave up trying to look for Quincy.

"He isn't traumatised but his coat was dirty and matted and he is overweight, like he has just been laying about."

Thames Valley Police statistics showed that of 83 dogs stolen in its area in 2013, just 17 were returned.

Force spokesman James Williams said a woman was arrested for the thefts in April but released without charge in May, and no other arrests have been made since.

He said the case will remain filed unless new evidence crops up.