Three Men Busted Over Dog Theft in Bristol and Southwick
Three men have been arrested in Southwick after a brazen dog theft in Bristol. Police swooped following the theft of two adult dogs and five puppies from a Bristol property last night (27/01).
Joint Police Crackdown Nets Stolen Dogs and More
Wiltshire Police’s Operation Fortitude teamed up with Avon and Somerset Police to track down the culprits. Officers raided a Southwick location, arresting three men aged 18, 48, and 51 on suspicion of theft. They’re now held at Melksham Police Station awaiting further questioning.
A total of 12 dogs were seized during the operation. This included the seven stolen dogs from Bristol plus five others believed to have been pilfered previously. Alongside the pooches, officers also confiscated weapons and two vehicles linked to the suspects.
Police Praise Cross-Force Teamwork for Swift Justice
“This was a fantastic example of cross-border partnership working,” said Sergeant Garry Epps from Operation Fortitude. “We’re pleased to have secured such a positive result for our Avon and Somerset colleagues.”
Sergeant Catherine Leigh of Avon and Somerset Police added: “This intelligence-led operation quickly recovered stolen dogs and ensured they were returned to their rightful owners. A full investigation is underway.”
Operation Fortitude: Targeting Wiltshire’s Most Wanted
Operation Fortitude is a proactive police unit focusing on catching serious offenders in Swindon and Wiltshire. This latest haul is a sharp reminder that those preying on innocent pets won’t get away.
