DOG owners are being urged to stay vigilant after concerns have been raised about organised dog thefts.

Fear was sparked after a South Abingdon resident was stopped and asked by two men if she would sell her pug puppy for cash.

Another woman spotted two men looking into her window studying her French Bulldog.

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On both occasions, the men had cameras on them and attempted to take pictures of the dog in question.

One of the locals, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: "I am very concerned about dog theft in Abingdon.

"There has been a big increase of dog thefts; whether they have been successful or just attempts.

"Dogs become part of the family and, it’s heartbreaking that people see them as a cash machine and not the beloved pets and family members they are to the owners."

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Just last week police warned that 'professional dog thieves' could be operating in the area.

Earlier this week, an Abingdon resident found a pile of raw meat dumped near a tree on Wilsham Road.

The abandoned raw meat sparked concerns about why the meat was left, and that dogs and other animals could be poisoned.