A MAN will face court later this month after allegedly stealing a puppy from a Newcastle property while he walked past.
Police on Sunday confirmed the 11-week-old puppy named Athena had been returned to her owners after she was allegedly stolen from a Cooks Hill balcony.
The pet's return came after police arrested a man in Lake Macquarie and charged him with stealing the canine.
Police were called on Wednesday after the 11-year-old pup was taken from a Parry Street balcony at Cooks Hill.
Investigators acting on advice from the community on Saturday stopped a 34-year-old man with the alleged stolen puppy in Court House Lane at Toronto.
Police allege the man spotted the pup while walking past and took it.
The man was charged with stealing a dog and granted bail to face court on March 10.
"The dog was taken to Belmont Police Station, where she was given water and playtime, before being taken back to her very happy owners," police said in a statement.
