TWO further puppies have been returned to their owner after they were among nine that were stolen earlier this week.

Police are still searching for the remaining five stolen from animal lover Albert Romaine’s Rodbourne home on Monday.

The 55-year-old was left distraught when he went into town between 8.30am and 10.30am and returned to his home on Percy Street to find his nine Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Collie crossbreed puppies had been taken.

The puppies are only five-weeks old and still being weaned, and without their five-year-old mum, Lexi, they could die.

Albert, who also has two cats and some fish, said: “I was in bits. I searched all over the house for them and I was shaking.

“They really need to be back with their mum. They might die without her since they haven’t learned all the basic skills they need.”

Two of the smaller pups were returned to Albert on Tuesday evening, and police recovered a third from a West Swindon property on Wednesday evening. Police returned a fourth puppy to its mother yesterday.

Albert said: “The police brought them back just in time for our appointment at the vets. I just cried when I heard that more of them had been found.

“I was even happier than I was when I had the first two back.”

Police have been searching a number of houses in the town to find the remaining dogs.

Albert said: “I know the police will find the other five. Even if they have moved outside Swindon I know they will track them down.”

On Tuesday afternoon, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the burglary and on Wednesday another man was arrested. Both men have been remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Gemma Vinton said: “While I am pleased that we have located another puppy, I am concerned that five remain apart from their mother.

“It is imperative that the puppies are found, returned to their mother urgently and appropriate veterinary care can be sought.

“I would urge anyone with any information to contact us immediately."

It is thought that the person or people who stole the pups got into Albert’s home by using the spare key, which they may have stolen at an earlier time.

Albert has now had all the locks changed, and bolt locks installed on his front and his back door.

Witnesses have also reported seeing two men and a woman carrying the dogs away from the area towards Sainsbury’s in Bridgemead on Monday morning.

The pups have a mixture of black and white colourings, many are mainly white with black markings around the head.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Swindon Priority Crime Team at Wiltshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.