THIEVES have ‘rustled’ a huge and much-admired ornament from a West Dorset garden.

The giant bronze resin pig which has delighted passers-by for five years in the garden of Pamela and Martin Chant at Greenham, near Drimpton disappeared overnight on Monday, September 2.

The hollow pig, which is some four feet long and more than two feet high, was a landmark which raised a smile from walkers and motorists.

Mr and Mrs Chant were appalled when they realised that the pig was no longer anchored to the garden decking at Bridge Cottages.

She was firmly fixed in place with a steel rod and a substantial padlock, but that did not deter the thieves who arrived equipped with tools to cut through the mounting.

“We noticed she had disappeared when a biker on a classic bike went past and did a double take, “ said Pamela Chant.

“She had brought many a smile to bikers, cyclists, walkers and drivers during the past five years, proving to be quite a landmark.

“We are saddened and sickened that certain selfish and greedy lowlifes could steal something which has brought some lighthearted fun to the area.

“This is the fifth time we have been targeted by thieves or burglars in six years and it doesn't get any easier. We won't be replacing the pig – what is the point?”

Mr and Mrs Chant hope that someone may have seen the pig or that she has been offered for sale.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “The theft took place over the night of Monday, September 2 or the morning of Tuesday, September 3.

“It was last seen in situ at 6pm on the Monday but the theft was discovered by early Tuesday afternoon.

“Thieves had to cut through a metal rod securing the bronze-effect plastic pig to decking.

“This will have left the statue with hole through the saddle and belly of the pig.

“Beaminster officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area or if anyone has been offered a plastic bronze pig or seen it for sale.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting crime number 36893.