A woman has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, fraud, and animal cruelty after a stolen puppy was discovered whimpering beneath a pile of clothes in a Birmingham property.
Christmas Puppy Theft in Bartley Green
The tiny dog, nicknamed 'Stechie' by officers, was believed to have been taken from Bartley Green on December 19. The pet was allegedly stolen by someone posing as an animal welfare officer, sparking a police investigation.
Dramatic Rescue in Washwood Heath
Following a search, officers tracked the puppy to an address in Washwood Heath on December 22. They forced entry into the property and conducted a thorough search.
West Midlands Police stated that after one officer heard a faint whimper, the team discovered the puppy. He had been stuffed into a gap between a wall and a wardrobe and covered with clothes.
Emotional Reunion Before Christmas
The puppy was swiftly rescued and taken to Stechford police station, where he reportedly brightened the day of all the staff. He was then reunited with his delighted owner in time for Christmas Day. The puppy's mother, who had remained with the owner, was also part of the happy reunion.
PC Allaway, from Stechford Response, said: "No two days are the same working on response, and this was a job that really touched us. Stechie brightened everyone’s day at the police station and returning her to her rightful owner in time for Christmas was very emotional."
The woman detained at the scene was arrested on suspicion of burglary, fraud, and animal cruelty. She has been released on bail with conditions while the investigation, under crime reference number 20/483041/25, continues.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number.
