A YOUNG woman whose 15-week-old puppy was stolen from her car as she watched a film at a Basingstoke cinema is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

Sherman, a black-and-white Staffordshire bull terrier, which has no pedigree, was in an enclosed dog basket when thieves broke into Katie Mitchell's car, which was in the car park behind the West Ham Leisure Park cinema.

They took £500 of audio equipment plus the dog, while Katie, 20, from Thatcham, and her boyfriend Gavin watched the film 8 Mile.

Since the incident, on Friday, January 17, the distraught fork-lift driver has taken three days off work and has been placing posters around Basingstoke, asking for his return and offering cash for information.

She told The Gazette: "I feel awful and devastated. It's just horrible. I couldn't go home and had to sleep at my mum's.

"I'm worried he will grow quickly and people will not recognise him. He is such a friendly animal.

"I would have been happier if they had taken my car rather than the dog. I didn't even enjoy the film."

Sgt Martin Cullis, of Basingstoke police, said: "Eight cars have been broken into in the last two months at the leisure park and a variety of property has been stolen, including a lap-top computer.

"All the thefts took place when it was dark. The vehicles are obviously targeted because owners are using the leisure facilities. In this incident they stole the dog as an extra."

Anyone with information is asked to contact WPc Emma Goldie at Basingstoke police station on 0845 045 4545.