A COLCHESTER cat owner has been left distraught after her beloved feline was reportedly stolen.

Violet, a 20-month old British Blue, was last seen on the morning of June 28, before her owner, Zoe Hunter, left for work.

Later in the afternoon Zoe used a tracking device to check in on Violet, before noticing she was a few hundred metres away from her home in Laurel Walk.

Her fears then worsened when Violet’s tracker was found discarded without the collar in Boxted Road.

Zoe now believes Violet, who has been chipped, spayed and neutered, may have been stolen due to her pedigree for breeding purposes.

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Zoe said: “I saw her last in the morning. She was seen around 11am by my neighbour at the back of Laurel Walk.

“I returned from work at 4pm which is when I found the tracker. [She went missing] somewhere between 11am and 4pm.

“She’s never wandered, she has always been at the back of the house. It’s just completely out of character.

“The tracker being found without the collar as well, that is what is suspicious.”

Zoe has since shared her appeal to find Violet on Facebook and reported her potential theft to the police who have launched an investigation.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received a call reporting the theft of their cat after discovering its tracking device had been found by the A12 in Colchester.

“It was found in Boxted Road, near the A12 bridge.

“We would urge anyone who may have information which could assist us to get in touch.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/115780/23.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am-9pm.

“Alternatively you can call us on 101.

“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."

Zoe can also be contacted by anyone with information about Violet to call 07540 663694.