Puppy Swiped From Petland In Naperville: Police

NAPERVILLE, IL --- Police in Naperville are looking for a female suspect who stole an English bulldog puppy who was intended to be a surprise holiday adoption from a local pet store. The woman reportedly grabbed the puppy and walked right out of the Petand store at 720 Route 59 on Dec. 18, according to a press release on the store's Facebook page.

The woman reportedly walked into the store around 2:36 p.m. by herself and asked to see a blue merle English bulldog, which store employees say was about to be adopted by a family for the holidays. The woman, who was in her late teens or early 20s, then left the store around 3 p.m. and got into a car that was driven by another suspect.

Store officials said they are concerned for the well-being of the rare, 10-week-old dog. "The store is fearful for the puppy’s health and future as it does not now have access to all the health care, warranties, and homecoming products that ensure a smooth transition to its new home," officials said.

The suspect of the puppy theft was described as being in her early 20s or late teens. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a blue coat trimmed with green fur.

This Petland store has been the victim of puppy thefts in the past. In 2016, apuppy stolen from the same Naperville Petland was found abandoned in a backyard in Aurora.

Anyone who has information about this incident is urged to call Naperville police at 630-420-6666 and reference case number 2018-13218.

Images via Petland Naperville Facebook