Labradoodle puppy is stolen by robber who held up its terrified owner at KNIFEPOINT as she took beloved pet for walkies
- Six-month-old Waffle stolen from his owner Cathryn Hussain, 54, in Cornwall
- They had been walking at 7am on December 23 when assailant took the dog
- Devon Cornwall Police are now appealing for anyone with information to help
A dog owner has been left ‘scared to death’ after her labradoodle puppy was stolen from her at knifepoint.
Six-month-old Waffle was taken from his owner Cathryn Hussain, 54, by a hooded assailant while the pair went for a walk near their home in St Austell, Cornwall, at 7am on December 23.
The distraught owner described how she had been putting cat litter trays in an outside bin when she turned to see the man with a scarf or snood over his face who threatened her with what she believed was a knife.
Speaking to Cornwall Live, Ms Hussain said: ‘I don’t really know how I’m feeling right now. One minute I’m in control and the next I’m scared to death. I’m a 54-year-old woman and am scared to go outside.’
Six-month-old Waffle was stolen from his owner Cathryn Hussain, 54, while the pair were out for a walk in St Austell, Cornwall, at 7am on December 23
Ms Hussain said the man had gestured for Waffle to come with him before taking his left hand out of his pocket.
The owner then heard a spring noise, which she believed was a flick knife, before Waffle was taken.
She continued: ‘He gestured again and pointed the knife at me and I just froze.
‘I can’t remember if he snatched Waffle or I handed him over but if I handed him over. I feel awful.’
The suspect is described as being around 5ft 8in, was wearing a black, hooded top and scarf and spoke with a foreign accent.
Following the incident Sergeant Steve White said: ‘The family of Waffle are very distraught and upset at the callous theft of their pet dog.
‘Myself and all of the officers at the police station dealing with this crime also feel very sad for the family over what is a cruel and mean-spirited crime, especially during the Christmas period.
‘I am sure that someone somewhere knows of a friend, relative or neighbour that has suddenly come into possession of a dog that may be Waffle.
Following the incident, Devon Cornwall Police tweeted a picture of the dog and appealed for anyone with information to contact them
‘Please contact us if you have any suspicions, as Waffle should be with his real family this Christmas.’
Yesterday Devon Cornwall Police took to Twitter to share a picture of Waffle alongside the message: ‘Police are appealing for information after a dog was stolen from this morning (December 23).
‘A six-month-old labradoodle called Waffle was taken while being walked by his female owner in the Belmont Road area at around 7am.’
Devon Cornwall Police are now appealing for anyone with information to call 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting log number 0116 231219.