Eleven Staffordshire bull terrier puppies were stolen from a house after thieves broke in.

The owner of the puppies, Tracey Morgan, said the mother was still searching for her puppies and a litter of 11, where all survived, was very rare. She said: “There is a low chance they will all now survive.

Whoever has got them is probably not wise enough to know they can’t drink water or eat dog food. The chances [for the pups] are 50:50 I would say. I have never seen them away from their mother.”

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after the incident, which occurred on Monday, May 16, between 4pm and 8pm, in Dassett Road, West Norwood.

A Lambeth police spokesman said: “The puppies are five weeks old and are too young to be separated from their mother. They are described as six white with brindle patches, one is pure white, and four are brindle with white patches.

“A number of youths were seen loitering in the area around the time of the offence. We are keen to trace anyone in the area who may have seen or heard something.”

Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Paul Lightfoot at the burglary unit on 020 8649 2416 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.