Express & Star

Owner overjoyed to be reunited with beloved family dog who was 'stolen' in truck theft

A dog lover is rejoicing after being reunited with his much-missed terrier dog who was 'stolen' along with his owner's truck.

Published
Last updated
Diesel the Jack Russell

Police launched an appeal after Luke Sadler's pick-up truck containing Diesel the Jack Russell was stolen from a farm in South Staffordshire on Tuesday morning.

The Toyota Hilux was found later that day, abandoned in Brierley Hill - but with Diesel nowhere to be seen.

Distraught owner Mr Sadler, 33, spent the afternoon looking for his beloved family pet, who is 11 years old.

"I was looking all around the area for him and calling him for most of the afternoon and then I had a phone call from a random chap in Wombourne who found him on the disused railway," he said.

"He's shattered. I might be wrong but there's a disused railway near to where the vehicle was found and I think he's ran down the railway.

"It's a big sigh of relief. I know it's not nice to have your car pinched, but no money buys your dog back.

"He's had a traumatic day."

Police have identified a suspect in the theft, described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build, with brown hair.

He was reportedly seen wearing blue shorts and a white jacket.

Anyone with information had been asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident 185 of October 3, or via Live Chat on their website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.