A small dog and two puppies were snatched from an Abbotsford home last Wednesday night.
Though other valuables were inside the home, thieves only targeted two Yorkie-Mal-tese cross puppies ('Morkies') and a four-year-old Yorkie, said Const. Ian MacDonald.
The homeowner recently advertised the puppies for sale online, and had only been out of the home for brief period before discovering the theft.
Investigators have learned that some perspective "buyers" had contacted the dogs' owner and learned the address of the home, said MacDonald.
"They then likely watched the house waiting for the owners to leave," he said.
The thief or thieves probably targeted the dogs, listed online for $750, so they could resell them, said MacDonald.
Regardless of whether the crooks plan to keep or sell the dog and puppies, the welfare of the animals is a concern.
"Given we don't know where they are and who has them, and that they are in the hands of criminals, you have to be concerned from that standpoint," said MacDonald.
"We've talked to the [dogs'] owner and there are kids in the house too. Obviously, everybody is pretty traumatized."
Police hope someone will recognize the dogs from their photos and contact investigators.
