UPDATE: since publishing this story we are happy to report that Maggie has been found and reunited with her very relieved owners Paul and Laurie Smith

Harrogate couple Paul and Laurie Smith have told the Stray Ferret how their miniature Dachshund was taken from their front garden yesterday morning.

Maggie, who is only 17 weeks old, was with Paul in the back garden of the home on Swan Road when she was coaxed down the drive at the side of the house to the front garden by a woman who then picked her up and stole her.

The couple say the incident was caught on a neighbour’s CCTV but the images are grainy and they are now trying to get them enhanced.

Paul said:

“We watched the woman come to the house, she comes to the drive and encourages the dog towards her.

“As soon as Maggie gets within arms length she picks her up, puts her under her right arm and sets off rapidly towards Valley Gardens.

“The was no hesitation, it is a very deliberate act.”

The couple are now frantic to find Maggie and have reported her theft to the police.  They’ve put up posters in the area and published the images of the woman on social media. Maggie is chipped, which has been alerted.

Laurie Smith said:

“It made me sick when we saw the CCTV, it’s absolutely desperate.  We don’t know where to look. She’s so friendly and socialised. She must be so frightened.”

Read more:

• Malnourished dogs found in Harrogate flat covered in faeces and urine
• Dog owners who let their pets off the leash cause distress at Ripon Cemetery

A Harrogate resident is appealing for information after their beloved dog, Biscuit, was stolen during a burglary at their home on Branham Drive.

Biscuit the dog is a white and tan American Bulldog and has a white-tipped tail.

The burglary took place on Wednesday, May 4 between 9.30pm and midnight when the owner was away.

North Yorkshire Police said several other items were taken during the break-in and has asked anyone with information on the burglary or Biscuit’s whereabouts to contact the police.

The police said Biscuit is considered one of the family and is keen to reunite it with its owner.

Read more:

• 64 sheep worth tens of thousands of pounds stolen in Harrogate district
• Judge brands ex-Harrogate council officer ‘thoroughly dishonest’

If you have information call 101, select option 2, and asking for PC Craig Brogden on extension 30116 or email craig.brogden@northyorkshire.police.uk.

Or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The reference number is 12220075872.