THE distraught owners of a Petersfield toy shop have launched a missing persons appeal after a disappointing theft.

The large plastic pirate that stood in the doorway of Jake's Toys was stolen from the Lavant Street store last Thursday.

A man distracted the shop worker while an accomplice disconnected the Playmobil model from its bungee cord around 2.50pm.

The thief, described as bald and smartly dressed, then casually put the model in the boot of a black Audi saloon before driving off.

Shop workers have informed the police and have also launched an appeal for the model's return on facebook.

But they have also lost a playmate as the happy pirate was the shop's mascot and loved by hundreds of children.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.