Heartless crooks nicked two tiny kittens from an animal shelter, it was claimed.
The brazen theft allegedly happened on Saturday afternoon, at the offices of Lothian Cat Rescue in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian .
A group of seven people arrived to look at cats, but two of the party splintered off and grabbed two kittens from a pen, it was claimed.
Heartbreaking photos showed a tiny silver tabby kitten, which was one of the cats taken.
Another picture showed a little Ragdoll-type kitten, with beige fur and dark detailing around the eyes and ears, with bright blue eyes.
The charity is desperately trying to trace the kittens, which had been destined to go to loving homes.
A post on the rescue centre's Facebook page said: "An incident occurred at our shelter today, which has left us reeling.
"A group of 7 people came in this afternoon asking to see our cats. A member of staff dealt with the party and showed them around.
"We were busy - all other staff and volunteers were showing other people around.
"Whilst they were being shown around, two of the party headed back towards our reception, entered our kitten pen and stole two of our kittens."
They continued: "We know they did this because we have CCTV footage of them doing so.
" Police have this footage and have asked us not to share at this stage.
"One is a ragdoll-type who arrived with us semi-feral when her Mum was killed in a road accident.
"The other is a silver tabby.
"These kittens were reserved for rehoming by other families, who are utterly distraught that 'their' kittens currently won't be heading home as planned.
"We want to get these kittens back.
"It is beyond comprehension that one would intentionally steal from another.
"Stealing vulnerable, living creatures from a charity is despicable."
The charity said CCTV had been handed to police.
Police Scotland have been approached for comment.
