How dog thefts became a major problem in Sheffield after three pups stolen at gunpoint

Concern about dogs thefts in Sheffield is mounting after South Yorkshire Police revealed a hunt is under way for three pups stolen at gunpoint in the city.
By Claire Lewis
Published 5th Mar 2021, 11:43 BST
A number of dogs have been stolen in South Yorkshire recentlyA number of dogs have been stolen in South Yorkshire recently
A number of dogs have been stolen in South Yorkshire recently

The pups – two Cane Corsos and a Rottweiler – were stolen when their owner and a friend were ambushed in Burngreave on Monday, February 22.

They met a man online who had expressed an interest in buying the pups but when they turned up at a pre-arranged meeting point to show him the dogs they were ambushed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One man held a gun through the car window and three others grabbed the pups.

One of the Rottweilers was dropped as the thieves ran away but the other three pups were taken.

Four pups were stolen from a flat on Smelter Wood Road, Richmond, that same day.

Two robbers, wearing masks, entered the flat when the owner of the puppies was asleep.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When he challenged them, they threatened him with a knife before stealing the litter.

Their mother is a mastiff mix and their father a Cane Corso.

In another terrifying incident demonstrating the lengths thieves will go to for dogs, a woman was dragged out of her car by a man who tried to steal her Lhasa Apso on Monday, February 15.

She was travelling along Owlthorpe Greenway, close to Crystal Peaks, when a van pulled up in front of her and a man jumped out and approached her car.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He demanded that she hand over her dog and when she refused the man grabbed her hair through the car window and dragged her out of the vehicle.

Posting on Facebook, Michael Whateley said: “So dog thieves are becoming armed criminals, I hope this means they will get the appropriate police attention and attract an armed robber sentence when caught.”

Linda Noble added: “This is getting out of hand now and needs to be made a top priority. Where are they going and what are they doing with them?”

Carol Townsend added: “Will people stop selling and trading in designer dogs. They are not a commodity and this is fuelling the increase in thefts.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Anyone with information about any of the thefts should call South Yorkshire Police on 101.

Read More
Concern at lack of lateral flow Covid tests for everyone at South Yorkshire Poli...

LATEST: Top level police meeting to be held after damning inquest into death of boy, 15, in Sheffield

CRIME: Man jailed and to be deported over cannabis farm in Sheffield

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.