Stolen puppy back for Christmas in Preston

by Tony McConville. Published Fri 23 Dec 2011 11:35

Rio

A twelve-week-old puppy which was stolen in Preston has been reunited with its owner.

Rio, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was stolen from outside Spar on Water Lane in Ashton on Tuesday 6 December. He had been tied to a lamppost by his owner – a 12-year-old girl from Bamber Bridge – whilst she went inside the shop.

Police were alerted that Rio had been stolen and, after reviewing CCTV footage from outside the store, located the puppy at a nearby address.

Officers seized the dog and returned him to his owner on Wednesday 7 December.

PC Denise Flitney of Preston Police said: “The owner of the puppy was very distressed when she realised that Rio had been taken. They had only had him for a few weeks but he was already part of the family.

“We were delighted to have been able to locate the puppy and return him to his rightful owner. When we dropped Rio off, he seemed very pleased to be back home and to see everyone.

“It was nice to be able to deliver some good news to the family and reunite them with Rio before Christmas.”

A 14-year-old boy was referred to the triage process in connection with the incident, which means that officers and trained youth workers will now work with the teenager to help him address his behaviour. A course of action will be agreed with him which may include an apology to the victim, referral to other agencies and potential reparative work.