Cochrane RCMP are looking for information about a robbery/assault that occurred at a home off Township Road 264 Nov. 20, where suspects fled with a bluenose French bulldog valued at $4,000.
“We responded to a call of a theft in the early to late evening, around 8:30 p.m.,” said Constable Jason Sherbo with Cochrane RCMP. “This was a call from a lady who had posted a puppy for sale on a social media site and had (a female and two males) attend her house to take a look at the puppy.”
According to Sherbo, the homeowner said the men had indicated they were interested in purchasing the eight-week old bluenose French bulldog, so she let them in the home to see the dog.
She said one of the men picked up a puppy while inside the residence and started running toward the door. When she attempted to stop them from stealing the puppy, Sherbo said, she was pushed to the ground.
“By the time she got up, they were in their vehicle, which was described as a sporty blue car, and they fled the scene,” Sherbo said. The suspects were last seen driving east down Highway 1A.
According to a media release issued following the incident, the first male is described as approximately 5’10” or 5’11”, possibly Hispanic with well-styled short brown hair. He has a slender build and was wearing a blue jacket with a white polo shirt underneath, blue jeans and white Converse-style sneakers.
The second male is described as 5’6” or 5’7”, possibly Hispanic as well, with a thicker build, full lips, inset/slanted eyes and brown hair. He was wearing khaki beige pants, tapered at the bottom and a tan t-shirt with black geometric designs.
The female is believed to be Hispanic or Asian as well, with brown hair, very slender build and small in size. According to the homeowner, the suspects spoke little English and stated they were from El Salvador.
“We are currently investigating a couple of leads we’ve gotten so far, and we are asking the public to give us any assistance they might have,” Sherbo said. “Obviously, this is a major loss for the breeder.”
Sherbo said the incident gives Cochrane RCMP the opportunity to remind residents to be aware of personal safety when using social media to buy or sell items, and to take precautions when welcoming strangers into your home.
“Trust your instincts. If something is putting the hair on the back of your neck up, there is obvious a reason for it,” he said. “There is no dishonour in walking away from a deal or taking measures to protect yourself, like meeting at a third party location, when you’re dealing with social media.
“There are steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of the buyers. There’s a degree of trust and good faith involved in transactions like this, and these people took advantage of that.”
