Police are reminding people to take care after reports of dog snatcher have been circulating on social media.

This year police have only had one report of a crime of this nature in Penrith.

A spokesman for the force said: "We are aware of posts circulating online relating to people being pushed and their dogs taken.

"We received a single report of a male, who was out with a dog, having been approached by a male who tried to take the dog lead.

"This incident occurred in Penrith on the on January 27.
"The dog was not taken. The male apologised for the incident.
"Investigations were conducted and the incident was identified as a local male suffering a mental health episode."

Anyone wanting to report a crime a crime should call police 101 or 999 in an emergency.