Dog found safe after being trapped in car stolen by thugs

A DOG inside a car when it was stolen by a gang of teenagers has been found.

The incident took place in Willow Row. Picture: Google

The two-year-old beagle was in a Honda CRV when it was taken from Willowbank Row in Edinburgh at about 12.30pm yesterday. The 65-year-old car owner was standing outside his vehicle when four young men approached him and pushed him to the ground while one of the suspects entered the car and drove off.

The rest of the gang then made off on bikes and on foot.

The dog was found unharmed in Redbraes Place at about 2pm by a member of the public who contacted officers.

The young man who stole the car was white, between 15 and 16, 5ft 9in with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with a hood up and was carrying a backpack.

The other suspects were white, about the same age and were wearing grey clothing.

Detective Sergeant Lynsey Thomson said: “Fortunately the victim was not injured during this incident but is obviously deeply upset at the theft of his car and his pet beagle.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Willowbank Row area on Friday afternoon and remembers seeing anything suspicious.

“I would also ask that any members of the public, who spot a Honda CRV with registration number DN06 WND, contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone who can help us identify and locate the suspects should come forward.”

Last week, two dogs stolen from a garden in West Lothian died after being hit by a car.

The lurchers were stolen along with seven eight-week-old shih tzu puppies, from Glendevon Park, Winchburgh.

The lurchers were hit by a Honda Civic at around 10pm last Thursday on the B9020 near Tippet Knowe Road.

One of the dogs died straight away and the other was taken to a vet, where it was put down with the owner’s permission.

Anyone with information about yesterday’s incident, is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.