A miniature dachshund has been rescued after it was stolen from its home in Essex by a masked man.
Police issued a public appeal to help locate 16-month-old Twiglet after she was stolen from her home in Catmere End in Saffron Walden at 3pm on Wednesday.
Officers released shocking footage of an intruder in a black face mask and grey high-vis jacket making off with the animal.
However, the owners confirmed on Thursday evening that Twiglet has now been returned home safely.
In a social media post, they wrote: “Everyone…we have the most amazing news…Twig is home!!!
Can you help us find Twiglet, who was stolen during a residential burglary in #SaffronWalden yesterday (26 July).
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) July 27, 2023
Any information, please contact us. pic.twitter.com/rgC2etdllZ
“She’s a little subdued by the whole experience but a tip off this evening (via FB) from someone that had seen all of the publicity and awareness, has meant we were able to be reunited about 11pm.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for all the posts and reposts and noise that has meant that she most likely did become “too hot to handle”.
“We are blown away by how amazing people have been and want to thank you all so so much.”
The shocking kidnap video showed the man enter the property as alarms ring and the panic-stricken dog begins to bark.
Good news! Thanks to you the public, Twiglet has been reunited with her happy owner.
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) July 28, 2023
They are truly grateful and happy that their dog is safely back with them, unharmed.
But we continue to investigate.
Read the story in full: https://t.co/uC8nprHteA
The intruder appeared to grab her and wrestled the crying dog to the ground before picking her up and making off with her.
At one point he appeared to clamp the creature’s jaws shut to stop her barking.
No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with information such as relevant CCTV or dashcam footage can contact the force on 101 or report it online.
