Adorable stolen puppy reunited with Birmingham owner - and mum - just in time for Christmas as woman arrested
A stolen puppy was reunited with its owner in Birmingham after quick-thinking officers found it hidden in a house.
West Midlands Police officers from Stechford and Bournville had been on the hunt for the puppy, which had been taken from an address in the Bartley Green area of Birmingham on December 10 by someone believed to have been impersonating an animal welfare officer.
Enquiries led them to a property in Washwood Heath on Monday (December 22) where a woman was detained after officers forced their way inside.
The address was searched, and after one of the team heard a whimper, they discovered the tiny puppy stuffed into a gap between a wall and a wardrobe, covered in clothes.
The puppy, who was nicknamed “Stechie” by the officers, was returned to her owner who was delighted to see her – as was Stechie’s mum, who was still with the owner.
The woman detained at the scene was arrested on suspicion of burglary, fraud, and animal cruelty, and has been bailed with conditions while the police investigation continues.
PC Allaway, from Stechford Response, said: “No two days are the same working on response, and this was a job that really touched us.
“Stechie brightened everyone’s day at the police station and returning her to her rightful owner in time for Christmas was very emotional.”
"We would urge anyone with information to contact us on 101 quoting crime reference number 20/483041/25."
