Police appeal after possible sighting of beloved pet dog stolen in Wakefield

Officers are asking people to check any CCTV they may have in the area after Flora, a chocolate brown Cocker Spaniel, was stolen from outside the Co-op shop in Outwood at 4.15pm on Monday, January 18.

Police are conducting a CCTV trawl of the surrounding area and have confirmed a possible sighting of Flora close to Newton Hill roundabout at 4.23pm.

It is believed the vehicle involved was a red Vauxhall Corsa with three or four males youths.

West Yorkshire Police are appealing to anyone in the area with CCTV to check between the hours of 4.10pm and 4.23pm and email [email protected] quoting crime number 13210028509 if the vehicle and occupants can be seen.

The Wakefield community have rallied round Flora's devastated owner, Tony, who is in his late 60s, by launching a huge campaign to reunite him with his beloved dog.

Rachel Sanderson-Boulton, a professional dog walker and member of lost and stolen dogs charity Murphys Army, said: "Tony tied her up outside thinking the village was safe.

"He has gone inside to get some milk and a paper and she has gone.

"For the last three years Tony and Flora have been inseparable - best friends.

"Tony lives alone and like many others has found the last nine months incredibly lonely due to coronavirus restrictions.

"Walking Flora has been the highlight of his day and helped him cope."

The community have displayed thousands of posters across the district in the hope to return Flora home safely and quickly.

"We would like to just say to everyone from the local support and national how grateful we are." Rachael added.

"Please help by sharing Flora's post.

"We need this girl home NOW."

Call 07483800618 or police on 101 if you have any information