Pedigree dog snatched in raid

A pedigree dog was stolen and thousands of pounds of jewellery taken when burglars targeted a Black Country home.

Chihuahua Enzo is believed to have been taken from the house in West Bromwich between 8 and 11am yesterday, leaving owner Louise Johnson, aged 39, devastated.

Louise’s mother Pamela Cooper was first on the scene in Bilhay Lane, after being contacted by her hysterical daughter.

She said: “She has had Enzo for two years and absolutely dotes on him.

“She was in tears when she phoned me to tell me what had happened.

“Whoever did this broke in through the back door and stole jewellery before taking the dog, who was left in the kitchen.”

“My daughter had gone to work and my youngest granddaughter, who’s 15, had gone to school.

“My other 20-year-old granddaughter, who had been with me went home to get changed and discovered the break-in.”

Enzo is a white and brown dog with black markings and is described as a distinctive looking Chihuahua.

Tearful Louise, who was too upset to speak about her beloved pet, revealed the burglars also stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.

Mum Pamela said: “There was a ring alone worth £4,000 – her engagement ring and a necklace worth £1,000, altogether I’m not sure how much it was all worth.

“Enzo was a young family dog, he wouldn’t have just sat there for them he wasn’t a lap dog, he would have been yapping away.”

The family are still waiting for police to visit the scene of the crime, but have found blood on the kitchen floor and banister where the thieves have cut themselves on glass, which detectives hope may help them find those responsible.”

The family plans to offer a substantial reward for the safe return of Enzo.

There have been several reported dog thefts in the area over recent months. In December last year a boy of six had his nine-month-old golden labrador pup stolen from the family garden.

And in October a conman in Coseley lured a dog owner out of his home while his gang of accomplices smashed their way into the garden and stole the family’s pedigree pets – three lurchers and collie greyhound – worth £4,000.

Anyone with information about Enzo’s whereabouts should call West Midlands Police on 0845 1135000.