A couple have been left heartbroken after thieves ransacked their home and stole their beloved French bulldog.
Ayla Williamson and partner Dan Brookes discovered their puppy Winston had been taken from the home they share in Heaton Moor, Stockport, late last Friday night.
The couple had only been out for around four hours, when they got home to find the door wide open and the lock smashed in.
Neighbours told them they hearing banging and some barking at around 11pm.
Devastated Ayla said she believes it was a targeted attack as the breed of dog is highly desirable and regarded as ‘at risk’, and the burglars didn’t take anything else.
She said: “They’ve come straight in into the bedroom and taken him out of his cage.
"We have had him since he was a puppy - about nine to ten months. They’ve taken nothing else. They must’ve known that was what they were coming for.”
Read more of today's stories here
Ayla said since advertising Winston missing they have learned that another French bulldog down the road went missing around two weeks ago, while someone else’s bulldog was taken.
Ayla added: “It’s clearly a high risk dog and everyone wants one.
“They’re not cheap. I’ve been handing out leaflets all day and crying my eyes out.
“We’ve been all around Stockport, as well as Burnage and Didsbury. He’s like our baby.”
Winston, who is beige coloured, was wearing a chain collar when he was taken.
Anyone who finds Winston is asked to contact 07722 960869 or 07546 090077, or call Greater Manchester Police.
GMP said they were contacted on September 14 shortly before 9am due to a burglary the day before, in which a French bull dog was stolen.
A spokesperson added: "The investigation is still ongoing."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .
