CLAIMS that dogs are being stolen by a gang in a Nissan van and used as bait are simply rumours, police say.

Posters have gone up in Tuckton Gardens warning that dogs are being snatched from their owners.

Reports have also circulated widely on social media that dogs have been stolen during walks at Hengistbury Head.

Several posts have been shared by hundreds of people on Facebook.

One claims a ‘lady in a white Nissan van’ is using ‘two ropes’ to snare dogs.

Others say the ‘gang’ are striking “all along the coastline from Hengistbury Head to Branksome, and probably all in-between”.

It warns a man and woman call dogs over and catch them “with a bit of cord” before “chucking” the animals into a van and “taking off”.

However, both police and officials from BCP Council say the claims are unsubstantiated. Police have received no reports of dog thefts in recent months.

A spokesperson said anyone who has any evidence or information about such an act taking place should contact the force via 101.

An official from BCP Council’s environmental services team added to the confusion by confirming a gang is stealing dogs for bait. He also said dogs are being taken from shelters.

Kelly Ansell, the council’s director of communities, said: “The police are the lead agency for any reporting and investigation of theft of dogs.

“The council may have a role in liaising on such matters, but we are not currently involved in this issue.

“The telephone advice given on this occasion was inappropriate. Management action, review and training has been taken to ensure that this is not repeated.”

The latest claims of dog snatching follows online hysteria during the summer when social media users claimed dogs were being poisoned in Bournemouth and Poole.

Despite rumours that poison had been laid in parks in Upton, Redhill, Slades Farm, Talbot Woods and Turbary Park, police said no reports had been made.

In May, it was claimed a ‘possible attempted dog snatch’ had taken place in Ferndown involving a ‘white van with sliding doors’.

The post was shared more than 1,500 times. However, it was unsubstantiated.