A 'despicable' thief stole a puppy from a child as she played on a swing in her garden, police have revealed as they issued a public appeal for information today.
A man walked into the garden, picked up the puppy then ran away. The four month-old puppy is called Dotty and was wearing a flowery collar at the time, officers in Wigan have said.
The theft happened on Moor Road in Orrell, near Wigan, at around 6.50pm on Saturday as the young girl was playing outside in her garden.
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GMP Wigan West have shared details of what happened and images of Dotty as they appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Their Facebook post has been shared thousands of times, with readers branding the thief as 'despicable' in the comments.
Police said the thief was described as mixed race and aged in his 30s wearing a black jumper with the words 'security' on the front of it. Dotty is said to be just four months old.
In a Facebook post, GMP Wigan West said: "Have you seen this dog? A child was sat in her garden on the swings with her dogs on Moor Road in Orrell at 6.50pm on Saturday.
"A male described as mixed race, believed to be in his 30s wearing a black jumper with 'security' on the front has entered the garden, taken the dog from the child and ran off in an unknown direction.
"The dog is called Dotty and was wearing a flowery collar – the dog is four months old so still very young.
"If you have any knowledge of this theft, or have any sighting of the dog, please contact GMP on 101 and quote log number 2771-22042023."
One Facebook poster said: "Despicable!! I hope the little girl is ok and the dog is returned safely."
Another said: "I cannot believe what I am reading. I hope the little girl and the family are ok and their beautiful dog is returned to her family safe and sound."
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