Brazen thieves steal pit bull puppy from owner they met online

Police in British Columbia are warning pet owners about selling animals online.

That after a violent attack and robbery of an 8-week-old pit bull puppy named Tank in Surrey, B.C.

Surrey RCMP said the dog’s owner posted an ad online and agreed to meet a potential buyer at Fleetwood Park near 80th Avenue and 160th Street in the afternoon of Sept. 28. That’s where two male suspects met the victim, one snatching the puppy and taking off while the second man grabbed the victim’s cell phone and punched her in the face.

Police on the lower mainland aren’t surprised by the dognapping.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this style of robbery utilizing online classifieds,” RCMP Corporal Scotty Schumann said in a statement. “Police recommend being extremely careful when buying or selling merchandise online and meeting up with unknown persons. To reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim to a personal robbery have a friend go with you and meet in a very public place.”

The thieves were seen fleeing in what is believed to be a brown Toyota Tercel.

The men are described as South Asian and in their 20s. One suspect was wearing a black hoodie with “Crooks” and a picture of Monopoly’s “Rich Uncle Pennybags” on it. The second man was wearing a blue sweatshirt and a red hoodie.

Tank has some distinctive markings, including a small white line that runs over his nose.

Tank was stolen on Sept. 28 in Surrey, B.C. RCMP want your help to find him.

If you have any information, contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or anonymous tips can go through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

Photo RCMP handout

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Recovering newspaper reporter.

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