Summit Police Respond to "Suspicious" Search for Cat

The clanking of a ceramic dish and a call for Piper the cat caused at least one Ascot Way neighbor to alert local authorities yesterday. Summit Police confirmed they answered the afternoon "suspicious activity" call, but said it was only a search for a missing cat.

Abby Hand was using her cat's feeding dish and clanking it with a spoon as she walked around the neighborhood to try to lure her out, she said. Piper has been missing since early this week. It was the only thing the worried Hand could do. "Our pet cat is a beloved member of our family and we are worried deeply about her well being," she wrote to Patch in an email.

At least one neighbor was confused by the search method. Police radio put out a call for  "a female who committed a suspicious act in the back yard," around 3p.m. yesterday afternoon. Police answered the call, but nothing happened. "It was just someone looking for a cat," said Capt. Steven Zagorski of the Summit Police.

Hand, who had gone out again searching last night said she's hopeful for a positive outcome. "Every minute she is gone is another worried minute for us," she said. "We will continue to try to find her in our neighborhood and town and we will hope for the best."

There is a reward for the return of Piper, a grey, striped cat. If found the Hand family asks that you call them at 732-647-2424 or call into the 24 hour pet watch hotline at 866-597-2424 ID# 0A112F293F