A dog walking company has had a ruff start to the day after its van was stolen.

Lotty Johnson woke up to find her distinctive Swaggle Dogs van missing from her home in Abery Drive, Larkfield.

The business owner said: "I went out in my car to find it but by the time I got back I realised our third car had been stolen."

But there was a twist in the tail.

Miss Johnson said: "I got a phone call from a woman asking if my van had been stolen. I told her it had and she said 'I'm standing right next to it'."

The van was found parked up at Larkfield Leisure Centre, cash was taken from inside and Miss Johnson fears a set of her customer's keys were also taken.

She added: "We think we know who stole it, it stank of cannabis inside but we're happy to have it back."

The Red Vauxhall Insignia remains missing. Its registration is KE14 HXV.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating a reported burglary and the theft of a van from Larkfield.

" Kent Police was notified that car keys were taken during a break-in at a private address in Abery Drive and a VW Transporter stolen between 10.30pm on Monday January 6 and 4.45am on January 7. The van was later found in New Hythe Lane.

Kent Police said it was aware of the Vauxhall's theft.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 7-0105.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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