Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Family plea after thieves steal pup on Xmas night
Heartache as thugs take Rufus
A FAMILY has been left heartbroken this Christmas after cruel thieves stole their precious puppy in the early hours of Boxing Day.
Anna Cummings and partner Alan Snoddy had just enjoyed a wonderful day with daughter Morgan, nine, and family when their home in Rathcoole on the outskirts of North Belfast was targeted.
They woke on Boxing Day morning to find their beloved five-month-old puppy Rufus had been taken by crooks who had also made off with presents.
Anna, 29, said the family did not care about their gifts, they just needed their pet, a cross between a Pug and King Charles Cavalier, home safely.
She added: “All we want is our dog back, the child is devastated and the other stuff can all be replaced.
“We just hope they have not hurt him.”
Anna and Alan, who have been together 14 years, had enjoyed a final drink after Christmas dinner with his niece and went to bed around 2am.
They believe the intruders broke into their home in the Crossreagh Drive area between 3am and 9am on Boxing Day.
As well as taking Rufus, his toys, treats and lead, they also made off with Christmas presents including an iphone 8 Plus, Macbook Air and perfume.
Anna said: “I can not believe it, I feel like I am in a dream.
“Morgan keeps crying and her face is all red but there’s no more tears left in her.
“Morgan is an only child and she loved that dog, we all did.”
An officer for PSNI Newtownabbey said: “A Section attended a report of a burglary this morning, and as a result a beautiful pup has been stolen.
“If you have any information, please contact us on 101 and quote incident number 341.”
RATHCOOLE YESTERDAY