Canterbury police have released images of man who allegedly stole a 14-week-old English Staffordshire Bull terrier Billie from outside a dairy.

The theft occurred at 3pm on Tuesday, 12 January, when a man picked up Billie outside the Bealey Fresh dairy, on Bealey Avenue in Christchurch.

He left the scene in a silver car.

A police spokesperson said someone out there may have seen the pup since Tuesday, or recognise the distinctive clothing worn by the person in the photos.

Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote file number 210112/4089, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

On a Facebook post police said “If you are the offender in this case, Police encourage you to drop Billie off at the nearest vet as the priority is getting Billie home safely.”