Two twelve-year-old boys were taken into custody after police responded to reports of an attempted dog theft.

Officers were called to help a dog walker just after 11am on Monday (April 12) in Stationers Place, Apsley.

She had been walking her female Shih Tzu puppy she was was approached by two young boys.

Police say the boys began talking to her before they picked the puppy up and removed her lead.

But the woman managed to keep hold of her pet and the boys ran off.

Officers attended the area and detained two boys matching the description given by the victim at Apsley station.

The boys, both from Hemel Hempstead, were arrested on suspicion of theft and taken into custody.

However, the investigation has since been closed and no further action will be taken against the boys.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary explained: "Statements were taken and CCTV enquiries were carried out, however due to a lack of witnesses and no CCTV covering the area of the incident, all lines of enquiry were exhausted and the investigation could not progress any further.

"As a result, no further action was taken."

However, a police inspector has stressed they take reports of this nature "very seriously" and a warning from police with some details about this incident, via its OWL service, has been widely circulated across social media.

Jeff Scott, who leads the Dacorum safer neighbourhood team, said: "This was an understandably upsetting incident for the dog owner and has left her feeling shaken.

"We take dog theft, and attempted dog theft, very seriously and after receiving the call about this incident, we immediately attended and detained two suspects nearby.

"They were interviewed but were later released with no further action. Information has been recorded and the local team have been made aware of the incident."

In light of this incident, police are reminding dog owners of the need to be "vigilant".

Inspector Scott said: "The issue of dog theft has had widespread coverage in the national media and we’d like to remind owners to continue being vigilant when out walking.

"We urge you to report any suspicious activity to us so we can build a picture and take action where necessary.

"Please be aware of your surroundings and always carry a mobile phone with you. If someone approaches you and appears interested in your dog, walk away and ensure your pet is secured on a lead.

"You could also consider carrying a whistle so you have the option of quickly alerting others nearby if you need to."