THREE men have been arrested in connection with dog thefts in Hampshire after a suspicious vehicle was seen in South Warnborough.

An investigation was launched after three cocker spaniels, all working dogs, were stolen from external kennels in Bullington and Owslebury on Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31, respectively.

In the early hours of Thursday, January 10, a suspicious vehicle was seen entering a farm yard in the South Warnborough area.

Officers stopped a green Subaru Forester on the A339 travelling towards Alton at 4.50am.

A 20-year-old man, from Chobham, Surrey, a 24-year-old man, from West Moseley, Surrey, and a 21-year-old man, from Yateley, Hamp-shire, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to commit theft and the theft of dogs in December.

All three have been released on bail until Thursday, March 14.

Anyone with information about the theft of dogs can contact Winchester Rural North safer neighbourhoods team on 101 or call the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.