Images of Dognapping Suspects Released by Police

Lawrence Township police have released surveillance camera images of the man and women who allegedly stole a white Brussels Maltese puppy from the Pets Plus store on Feb. 25.

Police ask anyone who recognizes the suspects to call them at (609) 896-1111 or send an email to investigations@lawrencetwp.com.

While the dognapping took place during the evening of Feb. 25, staff at the pet store in the 100 block of Lawrence Road (Route 206) did not realize until the following morning that the 8-week-old pet was missing, police said.

A review of the store’s surveillance camera system revealed that the puppy had been stolen by a man who entered the store accompanied by a woman and two young children, police said.

The man slipped into the kennel area of the store and managed to remove the dog from its cage while employees were distracted, then exited the store with the animal concealed under his shirt.

The dog is valued at $900.

The male suspect was described as black, between 30 and 40 years of age, and 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall.

His female companion was described as being Hispanic or black and between 25 and 35 years of age, with short cropped hair. 

Detective William Chester and Officer Kelly Longo are leading the investigation.