HEARTLESS thieves are making rich pickings selling puppies from pet terrier dogs stolen from families in the Bromsgrove area, it was claimed this week.

A young breeding bitch can net thieves a cool £1,000 a year clear profit, but they pay no heed to the heartache and distress they leave behind.

The Advertiser/Messenger has spoken to two women whose families have been devastated by the loss of their cherished Jack Russell bitches.

Heather Bourne, whose black bitch Jackie went missing from her Broad Green home during daylight hours on November 8 believes travellers roaming the countryside on the lookout for holly are responsible.

Ironically Jackie was originally bought for Heather from a traveller hawking round a basket of puppies at Henley market four years ago.

"A prime breeding bitch is worth £1,000 a year to a traveller who could get three litters a year from her," Heather said, adding her family has been left reeling at the loss.

The Smart family from Worms Ash have also been left grieving the loss of their Jack Russell, Molly.

She vanished early on the morning of November 2 when let out in the garden for a run with her puppy who returned alone.

Despite an extensive search, advertising, putting up posters and making numerous inquiries to vets, rescue centres and the police no trace of Molly has been found.

Stella Smart said her five children are "heartbroken."

She said she has since heard of terriers elsewhere in the district going missing, possibly the work of a gang.

A spokeswoman for Bromsgrove police said proving a dog had been stolen was very difficult and in any event she advised owners to have their pets micro-chipped to aid identification.