Fake RSPCA officers steal 15 beagle puppies from house in Lara
Police believe five of the puppies were microchipped. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
Police are searching for a man and two women who stole 15 beagle puppies from a house near Geelong in Victoria by posing as RSPCA officers.
The puppies were taken from the backyard of a house on Buckingham Street in Lara, a town about 20 kilometres north of Geelong, about midday on March 23.
The trio told the owner they were investigating a report of animal cruelty, police said.
It is believed five of the puppies were microchipped.
RSPCA Victoria said it had received a report and was helping police with their investigations.
"It is an offence in Victoria to impersonate an RSPCA inspector," RSPCA Victoria inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert said.
"Inspectors are required to carry authorisation photo ID cards.
"They are issued on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and must be produced upon request."
Local police in Corio want to speak to witnesses or anyone with information about the puppies.