DOG owners in Malvern are being urged to remain vigilant after a reports of attempted dog thefts in the area.

Posters are up along Peachfield Road following a report of attempted dog theft on Malvern Common, and police in the town are advising dog walkers to be careful.

A post has been widely shared on Facebook from a Malvern resident who said a man attempted to take their dog while walking.

It said: "Warning to all dog owners: please be extra vigilant.

"Yesterday morning someone tried to snatch my lead and take our dog on Peachfield Common, so please keep an extra close eye on your fur babies.

"He is not an expensive or sought after pedigree just a weird and wonderful cross and a much loved member of the family.

"Luckily our boy doesn’t really liked to be manhandled and his growling and barking and a kind stranger shouting down to ask if everything was ok scared the man off but next time someone might not be so lucky so please please be safe."

Since then, the Malvern Hills Trust has put up the signs advising dog owners to be aware.

According to the posters, dog owners should:

- Keep an eye on your dog when out in public

- Train your dog to come back to you

- Only leave your dog in your garden if it is secure

- Don't leave your dog in your car

- Don't leave your dog outside shops

- Your dog must have a collar with an ID tag on it

- Get your dog microchipped

- If people come up to you and start asking strange questions about your dog, report it.