CAT owners in Bushey fear a feline thief is in their midst after three pets disappeared on June 15.

Miss Lyn Walsh, of Bourne Road, lost Harry, an expensive pedigree cream British short hair, on Saturday, June 15.

Her neighbour Margaret Bates, of Cooks Mead, lost two cats the same afternoon.

Police have registered the cats as stolen following reports of a man trying to entice a cat with food in Melbourne Road.

According to a witness, the man drove off in a white Volvo after he realised he was being watched. The eyewitness noted the car registration number.

A man fitting his description was seen again in the area in the early hours of the morning.

Miss Walsh believes her cat was taken in a similar manner and is warning other cat owners to be vigilant.

She has put up posters of Harry in the area. The cat is about one years old, with pale ginger fur and copper-coloured eyes.

She said: "I felt sick and ill as soon as he went missing because he doesn't stay out at all. The longest he's been out on his own before is three hours.

"He is soppy as anything, which is his downfall because he's likely to be enticed away."

She has asked anyone sold a cat fitting Harry's description to take it to the vet or inform the police.

Harry is fitted with an identity microchip.

Miss Walsh said: "If he's been given to someone else we are hoping at some stage, when they take him to the vet, he will be found out to be ours."

A spokesman for the RSPCA advised concerned pet owners to microchip their pets.

She said: "These can be scanned by vets, dog wardens and the RSPCA and that then reveals who they are so that they can be reunited with their owners."

She added anyone who believes their pet has been stolen should contact the police.

Anyone with information can contact The Watford Observer on 01923 216372.

June 25, 2002 17:00