Picture clue after sausage dog taken from owner
A PICTURe has been released of a man police want to talk to after a sausage dog was stolen from a Derbyshire woman while she was out walking the beloved pet.
The victim was approached by two men, who tripped her over, threatened her and then stole her dog, a two-year-old Miniature dachshund named Minnie, a spokesman for Derbyshire police say.
Police received reports about the dog being stolen just after 8.20pm on Sunday, April 11, and say the men left the scene, in Moira Road, near the New Inn, Woodville, when she was in a black Ford Mondeo (registration beginning YG60), along Moira Road in the direction of Albert Village.
Both men are described as being in their 30s, with one of the men being white, of a stocky build and with short fair hair.
Officers have also released a grainy CCTV image as part of their investigation of a man they would like to speak who may have vital information in the bid to catch the thieves and get Minnie back to her distraught owner.
The police spokesman added that enquiries were ongoing and the force was asking anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anything suspicious, or has any information on the whereabouts of the dog, to contact officers.
Detectives are also interested in speaking to any drivers who were at the Asda filling station in Burton Road, Woodville, between 8.10pm and 8.15pm where it is believed the car was shortly before the incident.
Inspector Chris Thornhill, who leads the policing in South Derbyshire, said: “Incidents such as this are, thankfully, very rare in Derbyshire. However, I am very aware of the impact that these crimes have on victims and how worried fellow dog owners will be hearing this news.
“Patrols have been stepped up in the area and you may see an increased police presence in the coming days. I would urge anyone with information, or concerns, to speak to them.”
The woman’s son James Fox said one man tackled his mum to the ground and left her lying on the pavement, while another snatched the dog lead out of her hand.
As they stole Minnie they lifted her up in the air by the lead, throttling her. The mum could hear her beloved pet “crying” as she was thrown into a black Ford Mondeo.
Derbyshire police have asked anyone with information to get in touch via 101 or the force’s social media channels, quoting reference 21*198495.