PIRATES struck in Haslemere at the weekend when cruise writer Patricia Carlton's new book manuscript was stolen. The writer, who sold more than 1,000 copies of her book Pollywogs and Shellbacks Afloat last year, was awaiting the return of her latest work from the printers in Chichester. The postman's bag was unattended while he dropped off some mail to the veterinary surgery at Weydown Road, and when he returned the document was missing. The book, called Pollywogs and Shellbacks Go Tropical, is due for pre-publication release in November, sparking a panic to produce another copy quickly. Mrs Carlton said: "Thank goodness for computers. Even though it was expensive, and it meant I spent valuable time rushing down to Chichester to collect it, at least the manuscript was saved on disk and another could be printed. "But it was just mindless, thoughtless and unnecessary, costing me a lot of time and money. "If anyone finds it, behind a hedge or in a rubbish skip, I'd be most grateful if they could return it to me." The postman said he saw four youths in the area when he left his bag. Surrey Police have been alerted to the theft. The book follows Mrs Carlton's travels on the QE2 as it goes across the equator, and readers can experience the ceremony of crossing the line between the northern and southern hemispheres. Although it will not be officially released until February, Mrs Carlton will be unveiling copies of the book next month on the cruise liner, as well as giving talks on board. Anyone with information on the theft should contact Surrey police on 0845 125 2222, or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Right: Mrs Carlton signing copies of her first book, Pollywogs and Shellbacks Afloat, in Grayshott last year.