Residents of Old Harbour Glades and surrounding areas in St Catherine are suffering at the hands of dog thieves who have been catching and selling their animals.

It is said that the thieves, travelling in groups of four, target poodles and other pedigrees that are taken for house pets.

"Yes dem just go on people veranda where them keep the dogs on leash. After cutting the leash, them tief dem and sell dem," one resident said.

THE STAR learnt that in some cases, the domesticated dogs are sold for just a small fraction of what they are really worth. Persons have reported missing their dogs which are valued at over $50,000.

In the latest of incidents, THE STAR was informed that on Friday, a policeman recovered a dog which was reported stolen days earlier. The animal was reportedly spotted playing with children in another section of Old Harbour Glades, away from its home.

Upon investigating how they came in possession of the dog, the cop was reportedly told that the animal was sold to them by a group of men for a mere $5,000.

"Yes them tek di dawg elsewhere in the community and sell it for a small price. It was a surprise when di dawg was called by its name him run to di owner," explained a woman from the community who witnessed the incident.

That dog was happily reunited with its owner, however, others have not been so lucky.

Meanwhile, residents say they are now on the alert, and will work towards catching the dog thieves.

The St Catherine South police say they are aware of the situation and are investigating.