A man was spotted trying to steal a cat before assaulting its owner in a Fenland village.

Cambs Times: An attempted cat theft was reported on Norfolk Street, Wimblington where a woman was thought to be assaulted. Picture: GOOGLE MAPSAn attempted cat theft was reported on Norfolk Street, Wimblington where a woman was thought to be assaulted. Picture: GOOGLE MAPS (Image: Archant)

The owner, a woman, saw a car pull up near her house on Norfolk Street, Wimblington on Wednesday, August 5 when the suspect left the vehicle and attempted to grab her cat.

When the woman saw what was happening, she went to confront the man who reportedly assaulted her before leaving the scene.

She said: “Anyone with cats, keep them in. This young lad was quick and if I wasn’t downstairs, he would have taken her.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said they are unaware of any series of cat thefts in the area, but are encouraging residents to get in touch if they have more information about other related incidents.

Cambs Times: The cat that the man attempted to steal. Picture: SUPPLIEDThe cat that the man attempted to steal. Picture: SUPPLIED (Image: Archant)

The spokesperson said: “We were called at about 10.15pm yesterday with reports of the attempted theft of a cat in Wimblington.

“It was reported a man got out of a red car in Norfolk Street and unsuccessfully attempted to grab the cat.

“The owner saw what happened and went out to confront the man, who assaulted her before getting back into the vehicle and leaving the area.”

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The spokesperson added: “The suspect is described as white, slim build and in his late teens or early 20s. The woman was not injured as a result of the assault.

“We would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour in their local area to contact us.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident should speak to an operator via the police online web-chat quoting 35/52373/20 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report.

“If you do not have access a computer, please dial 101.”

Last month, two men were spotted reportedly attempting to steal a cat by using a net outside a house in Treeway, Chatteris before the cat managed to escape.

The two incidents come following a spate of dog thefts across Cambridgeshire.

In July, a West Highland Terrier, a Jack Russell and a Chihuahua were taken from Cosy Kennels in Stretham, while dogs were also reported stolen in Bluntisham, Peterborough, Horningsea, Stow Cum Quy and Wilburton and an attempted theft in Haddenham.

Since May, there have been a rise in thefts, with Cambridgeshire Police noting a significant rise in dog prices, which prompted their concerns.