OFFICERS are investigating after an expensive antique was stolen from a Bournemouth emporium.

An antique bronze dog worth £200 was taken from a trader operating inside The Den, without paying.

The incident occurred at around 10.30am on June 14.

Speaking on the theft, James Irvine, Co-owner of The Den said: “This trader is such a kind, genuine person and is actually very upset and disheartened.

“And obviously has lost out financially from the item, which can be very detrimental to any business, but when it's such a small business it can knock confidence and the worry of it happening again.

“It's awful because these are all small businesses that rely on The Den, it has a huge impact on them.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 12.18pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024 relating to the theft of an antique bronze dog from a commercial premises in Francis Avenue in Bournemouth.

“The theft is reported to have occurred between 10.30am and 10.35am on Friday 14 June 2024.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Dorset Police, quoting reference number: 55240091949.