Woman wanted in pug-snatching
(KTVU) San Francisco - This is KTVU crime reporter's Rap Sheet blog for April 30, 2018:
PUG PILFERER:
A homeless woman was caught on surveillance video stealing a pug outside a Whole Foods Market in San Francisco, and the owner is offering a $5,000 reward and asking for the public's help in identifying her.
The incident happened when Stephanie Lee left her elderly pug Phyllo outside the store at Market and Dolores streets on Thursday night.
Witnesses and surveillance video showed a woman untying Phyllo's leash, picking him up and walking away.
Lee says she's learned that the dog thief is a homeless woman previously caught stealing from the store - and who reported has a history of stealing and selling pets.
Lee's been searching homeless shelters and walking the streets in hopes of finding Phyllo, who is deaf, mostly blind and needs medication.
Lee works at Adopt-a-Pet.com, helping people search for pets to adopt.
"It's ironic and tragic that someone who spends her days helping animals in need has been the victim of this horrible crime," said Abbie Moore, the company's executive director.
Video of the dog-napping can be found here and here:
SWIPERS SOUGHT: Sonoma County sheriff's investigators need help identifying two women who stole an elderly schoolteacher's purse while distracting her.
The incident happened Thursday as the victim was shopping at Raley's in Windsor. Two women approached her, and one began engaging her in conversation about grocery items. As the two chatted, the other woman pulled a wallet out of the victim's purse and stole her ATM card and cash.
The thieves then bought $1,000 worth of gift cards and left the store as the victim continued shopping.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to call Deputy Ken Johnson at (707) 838-1234.
You can see Henry Lee daily on KTVU. If you have a tip for Henry, send an email to Henry.Lee@foxtv.com or contact him on Twitter