Puppy snatched from owner's arms in Cannock
A puppy was snatched from its owner's arms as he carried it home through a car park in Staffordshire.
The Staffordshire bull terrier, called Tess, had just been given as a 16th birthday present and her theft has left her new master distraught.
Now police are appealing for help from the public in tracing the animal which has distinctive markings.
The robbery took place at around 10.30pm on Saturday when the victim, who was carrying the dog, was approached by two men on the car park in Hunter Road, Cannock.
One of the men engaged the teenager in conversation and tried to grab the dog from him. The owner initially resisted but was threatened by the man. Dc Emma Harthill said: "The victim had just collected the dog, which was his 16th birthday present, when it was snatched from him.
"Fortunately, he wasn't injured but has been left devastated. He and his family are spreading the word using social media sites in the hope someone will recognise the dog and give information to its whereabouts."
She said the dog is a dark brindle bitch, about four to five months old, with white markings on her chest and paws. Two men from Cannock, aged 31 and 35, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on police bail pending further inquiries.
A report by the Metropolitan Police found that more Staffordshire bull terriers were stolen than any other breed.
It quotes a dog website which says the animals are "exceedingly protective of their family and make excellent guardians and watchdogs" and "excel in agility and obedience".
Veronica Brown, of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council, said the breed's good nature may make them easier to steal.
Anyone with any information is asked to ring Dc Hartill at Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 859 of February 2.
