Two young girls who spotted secret signs managed to outsmart would-be dog thieves before they could strike.
The young girls won plaudits after removing the signs police believe are used by gangs of dog thieves to mark their targets.
Police have previously warned householders to be wary of secret signs left outside their homes.
It has been reported that thieves use signs to signify a home that could be a good target for theft.
The 10-year-old girls are said to have spotted signs left behind by potential thieves, and removed them.
Dublin Live reported how Sophie and best pal Danielle spotted zip ties randomly around their neighbourhood, and after some quick thinking cut them down.
They are said to indicate targets the other members of the gang who operating in the area.
Other signals used in the past include chalk marks and stickers.
Mum Sarah wrote on Facebook : “Sophie and Danielle just cut these zip ties off the bins in the estate this morning!! Watch your pets."
Thieves are targeting popular expensive breeds such as cocker spaniels and French bulldogs.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
Jack Russell, cockapoos and labradors are also thought to be among the most popular.
DogsLost, a group reuniting missing pups with their owners, had 48 reports of stolen pets from March 23 to June 1, compared to 29 last year, the Mail Online reports.
