No arrests yet after man dragged woman from car in attempted dog-napping in Sheffield

Dog owners across South Yorkshire have expressed concerns about dog thefts after a woman was dragged from her car by a man who tried to steal her pet pooch in Sheffield.
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The woman, in her 50s, was driving along Waterthorpe Greenway, close to Crystal Peaks shopping centre when a van pulled in front of her at a junction.

A man from the van jumped out and approached her car and ordered the woman to hand over her Lhasa Apso.

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When the woman refused, the man grabbed hold of her hair through the car window and dragged her outside.

A man who dragged a woman out of her car in a bid to steal her dog in Sheffield has not yet been caught (Getty)A man who dragged a woman out of her car in a bid to steal her dog in Sheffield has not yet been caught (Getty)
A man who dragged a woman out of her car in a bid to steal her dog in Sheffield has not yet been caught (Getty)

The culprit fled empty-handed.

He was in his late 40s, around 5ft 8ins tall and of a large build.

He was wearing blue stonewash jeans and a grey v-neck top.

Since details of the incident were shared, social media sites have been flooded with reports of alleged incidents and suspicious people and vehicles said to be prowling the streets.

One woman has posted on a number of sites with claims that three dogs were recently stolen at gunpoint in Sheffield but as yet South Yorkshire Police has not shared details of any dog thefts reported since the attempted dognapping near Crystal Peaks.

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Responding to a police appeal for information, Lesley Robinson said: “The police and criminal justice system need to get a grip on this.

“It’s becoming out of control in this country. Thieves will do anything nowadays to steal people’s pets.

“Until the police crack down on this in a big way and the courts start sending people to prison this will just get worse. And the day will come that someone will end up being killed either defending their pet or stealing one.”

Barbara Bentley added: “It's happening everywhere now. I've changed my times and routes for walking.”

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Sarah Read said: “Pet theft is absolutely shocking. Our dogs are in great danger. We need the government, police and RSPCA to join forces against this. We need action before someone is seriously hurt or worse.”

Julie Mitchell added: “Until people stop paying ridiculous amounts of money for dogs this will only keep getting worse.

“Thieves only see the pound signs and don't care that they are dealing with an irreplaceable pet.”

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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.