DOG snatchers stole two pets from outside a supermaket as their owner shopped inside.

Owner Mandy Millington is appealing for help from the public and is even turning to Facebook in a bid to get them back.

Her dogs, Milly, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly, a Staffie cross, were taken from outside Asda in North Shoebury Road, Shoebury.

Mrs Millington, 48, of Peregrine Close, Shoebury, says the theft has left her and her three children devastated. She fears the three-year-old pets may have been taken to be used for fighting.

She said: “Both the dogs are girls, and are no use for fighting.

“They have been neutered so they cannot be used for breeding either so there’s no money to made from them.

“My dogs were taken off their leads and this all was caught on CCTV, so I am sure the two men and woman who did it can be identified.”

Police have watched CCTV footage and are investigating the theft, which happened at about 1pm on Thursday.

To try to assist the investigation, Mrs Millington has even set up her own Facebook page to appeal for information.

Police spokeswoman Julia Pack said: “We were called at about 1.30pm on Thursday about the theft, but no officers were immediately available.

“A friend of the owner called us at about 11.30pm saying they thought they knew where the dogs were, but nothing was found at the address and officers are out and about looking for the dogs.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0300 3334444.

Mrs Millington can be contacted on 07970 728423 and has asked anyone with information to visit the Facebook page at www.

facebook.com/groups/218065214895472