Alarm bells are ringing for dog owners as theft warnings circulate to people throughout Leighton Buzzard on social media sites.
Rumours suggest that gangs are using small coloured stickers to mark the number of dogs there are in households to steal and use for dog bait for fighting.
It has sparked panic that there has been a recent spike in the number of dogs being stolen from homes in the area, but Beds Police have confirmed they are unaware of any incidents that have involved stickers being reported.
They have advised people to take care and urge that they report any suspicious activity by contacting the non-emergency 101 number.
@LBOamanda