UK
Twiglet: Kidnapped miniature dachshund reunited with owners after tip-off
A miniature dachshund snatched from her Essex home by a masked, hammer-wielding intruder has been reunited with her owners after a public outcry led to a tip-off.
Twiglet is described as being “a little subdued” after her ordeal, which saw her stolen during a burglary in Saffron Walden at about 3pm on Wednesday.
The 16-month-old dog’s owners believe she became “too hot to handle” after a police appeal for her return went viral, with people desperately concerned about her welfare.
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Twiglet put up a brave fight when he was stolen during a home robbery
Essex Police are continuing to investigate and no arrests have so far been made.
In CCTV footage released by the force, a man, wearing a black cap and a black mask, is seen entering the property’s kitchen.
A burglar alarm sounds and Twiglet starts panicking and barking.
Initially, she manages to escape his clutches but he eventually grabs her and they struggle for a few seconds before the man clamps her jaw shut to stop her barking, before making off with her.
But in a welcome update on Facebook, her owners said she had been found on Thursday night.
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Pic: Jamie Vindis/Facebook
Jamie Vindis posted: “Everyone… we have the most amazing news… Twig is home!!!
“She’s a little subdued by the whole experience but a tip off this evening (via FB) from someone that had seen all of the publicity and awareness, has meant we were able to be reunited about 11pm.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for all of the posts and reposts and noise that has meant that she most likely did become ‘too hot to handle’.
“We are blown away by how amazing people have been and want to thank you all so so much.”
Essex Police said in a statement: “Thanks to you the public, Twiglet has been reunited with her happy owner.
“Twiglet’s owner is grateful to the public for all their support and sharing the appeal which was seen by a member of the public who was able to reunite Twiglet with its owner.
“They are truly grateful and happy that their dog is safely back with them, unharmed.
“We’re continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information that might be able to help our investigation into the burglary.
“Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.”