A Scots dog-owner pinned down by machete and axe-wielding thugs who stole his puppy has raised reward money for his pooch's safe return to £4,000.
Yesterday, we told how three balaclava-clad crooks stormed a property in Meiklerig Court in Glasgow’s Pollok on Wednesday night.
The gang threw David Waters, 20, to the ground and snatched his nine-week-old American Bully XL, Cairo.
Traumatised David and his partner, Caitlin Maley, 21, soon contacted police and launched a social media appeal which went viral.
The couple initially offered a £1,000 reward for Cairo's safe return. However, with the 'overwhelming' support of donations from a GoFundMe page, the reward has been increased to £4,000.
So far, almost £2,400 has been raised by both loved ones and total strangers 'disgusted' by the callous theft that has left both David and hairdresser, Caitlin, feeling 'totally empty'.
With no update from police and still no sign of Cairo, Caitlin took to social media on Friday morning in a desperate bid for information.
She said: "Still no news.
"Honestly can’t believe this has happened to us.
"Please just keep sharing I’m honestly broken."
"Please get my baby back home to us I can’t take this anymore.
"I can’t rest till he’s safe with us."
David previously said: “As I opened the door, the three of them came in with balaclavas on and put an axe to my head, along with a Stanley knife.
“They told me to get on the ground, they had the Stanley knife to my face and told me, ‘Don’t move’.
“Then they went into the living room and grabbed Cairo and ran down the street and turned left and jumped into a car.
“I had no power to do anything and had to watch him get taken off me. It was horrible.”
Carnage broke out while Caitlin, 21, was at work.
Forensics officers arrived at the property to take DNA samples.
Police hunting for the crooks and Cairo are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Constable Christopher Sneddon said: “Thankfully nobody has been injured as a result of this incident but the owner has been left evidently shaken.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have noticed three men acting suspicious in the area to come forward and speak to officers.
“If there is anyone who has possible CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist with our enquiries, please get in touch with police.
“I would also ask if anyone is approached about buying a puppy similar to this to get in contact with police.”
Visit the GoFundMe page to donate.
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