Police have reunited a man with his beloved Jack Russell dog after it was stolen right in front of his eyes.
The 71-year-old victim was left in “extreme shock” when George was scooped from the ground by 35-year-old Aaron Granger, who then ran off.
But officers managed to quickly find Granger after CCTV captured him feeding pizza to the dog, which he was holding inside his jacket, in Long Causeway, Peterborough city centre.
On Monday (17 October), Granger, of Alvis Drive, Yaxley, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for a year. He must also pay £50 compensation to the victim.
PC Angus Cashman, who investigated, said: “Dogs are often part of the family, and every theft is absolutely devastating for owners.
“But we are delighted George is now safely back where he should be.”
The theft happened when the victim walked George, and another Jack Russell called Bill, to Stanley Park in central Peterborough last Saturday (15 October) at about 12.30am, after returning home from a meal with friends.
Both dogs had been in his care for the past four years following the death of a close friend.
As he walked to an area of green space opposite Clifton House, he was approached by Granger, who initially appeared to be friendly and told him he loved dogs and asked what their names were.
However, Granger began to kneel and place his hands around the dog before unclipping the lead from the harness.
He then picked the dog up, tucked it in the inside of his jacket and ran off. The victim tried to chase him, but Granger disappeared.
The distressed victim, who was very worried as George had never been separated from Bill before, called police.
But just over an hour later, Granger was arrested, and George reunited with his owner and Bill.
