Stolen puppy returns home days before Christmas
West Midlands PoliceA puppy that was stolen and hidden behind a wardrobe was reunited with its owners just in time for Christmas.
The puppy had been taken from an address in Bartley Green on 19 December by someone police believe was impersonating an animal welfare officer.
Enquiries led them to a house in Washwood Heath on Monday, where West Midlands Police officers from Stechford and Bournville forced their way inside, discovering the tiny dog stuffed between a wall and a wardrobe, covered in clothes.
A woman was arrested on suspicion of burglary, fraud, and animal cruelty, and has since been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.
The puppy was nicknamed "Stechie" by the officers and was returned to her owner, who also has Stechie's mum.
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."
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