Stolen dog reunited with owners in Suffolk following police raid
Willow was one of ten found by officers in Surrey.
Last updated 26th Mar 2021
The owners of a stolen dog from Suffolk, reunited with their pet following a Sussex Police raid, have said they are 'delighted' to have her back home.
Willow, a two-year-old cocker spaniel, was one of ten dogs seized by officers who carried out a search warrant at a site in Surrey on March 16th.
She had been stolen during a burglary in Suffolk in July 2020.
On Wednesday her owners, who do not wish to be identified, travelled to Sussex to be reunited with their much-cherished pet.
One owner said: “We are so delighted to have Willow back home and can’t thank Sussex Police enough for finding her.
"After eight months we thought we would never see her again, and we hope it will give other dog owners faith that they can be found and this is taken seriously."
Detectives from Crawley CID have launched an investigation to find the lawful owners of the remaining dogs, working alongside Sussex Police's Rural Crime Team.
The remaining dogs, a mix of lurchers and spaniels, continue to be cared for at a secure location.
Detective Chief Inspector John Wallace, of Crawley CID, said the team was delighted that Willow has been reunited with her owners and is now back home safe.
He added: “This is a complex and, likely, lengthy investigation.
"Our priority has been to ensure the health and welfare of the dogs - some were in a poor state when we found them and are receiving ongoing medical care which also forms part of our investigation.
“We are working through all information meticulously and pursuing other lines of enquiry to progress the identification of those dogs. We will be releasing further information in the coming days to help with that process.
“We understand this can be frustrating and appreciate people’s patience knowing that all the dogs are being well cared for.”
A 30-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods has been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about their suspected stolen dog is asked to email dogtheft@sussex.pnn.police.uk.