Trio posing as RSPCA officers steal litter of puppies from Victorian backyard

Thieves posing as RSPCA officers have stolen 15 beagle puppies from a Victorian backyard.

A man and two women told the owner they were investigating a report of animal cruelty and removed the puppies from the Buckingham Street, Lara, home on March 23.

It is believed five of the puppies have been micro chipped and police have released an image of one of the puppies in the hope someone may recognise them.

Coiro police have no leads at this stage and are keen to speak to any witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.