A Colorado Pet Store Faces Repeated Robberies: A Disturbing Trend

A Brazen Daylight Heist Unfolds

On Friday, a pet store in Centennial, Colorado, fell victim to a daring robbery when thieves devised an elaborate ruse to steal two valuable puppies. Perfect Pets, a local business that has already endured multiple thefts this month, experienced its latest incident at around 1:30 p.m. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office reported that the suspects faked a medical emergency to distract staff and customers while they carried out the theft. Jens Larsen, the owner of Perfect Pets, described the incident to ABC News, detailing how three men entered the store at intervals, each appearing "sketchy." Their target was two English bulldog puppies, each priced at $4,299, kept in a locked enclosure near the back of the store.

The distraction began when one of the suspects collapsed on the floor, feigning a seizure. The sudden commotion drew the attention of customers and employees, who rushed to assist the man. Larsen recalled that it "looked like he was having a seizure," prompting an employee to call 911. While the crowd focused on the collapsed individual, another suspect slipped away toward the locked pen holding the puppies. Surveillance footage captured the chaos, showing the thief opening the enclosure and grabbing the two Bulldogs before attempting to flee.

A Cunning Ruse and a Chaotic Getaway

As the thief made his way toward the exit, an employee spotted him and confronted him, attempting to block his path. The situation quickly escalated, with employees tackling the suspect and one being kicked in the face during the struggle. Larsen described how the thief tripped and fell, dropping the puppies, but managed to retrieve them and escape. Multiple people attempted to chase the suspect, but he evaded capture and fled the scene. Larsen noted that two of the three suspects fled in a gold Cadillac Escalade, reportedly driven by a woman whose identity remains unknown.

The incident has left Larsen visibly shaken, not just because of the financial loss but due to the callous disregard for the welfare of the animals. "The guy doesn’t care," Larsen said. "He’s not stealing merchandise; he’s stealing living animals and doesn’t seem to really care for their well-being." The emotional toll of the theft is evident, as Larsen and his team work to recover the stolen puppies and bring the perpetrators to justice.

A Pattern of Thefts and Ongoing Investigation

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has identified one suspect, 37-year-old Timothy Dais, who has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, theft, and drug possession. However, authorities are still searching for the other three suspects involved in the robbery. This latest incident follows a similar theft earlier this month, when a woman disguised a stolen puppy in a baby stroller, and another woman stole a puppy moments later. The incidents highlight a disturbing trend of criminal activity targeting high-value animals for resale.

The Rise of Puppy Thefts: A Growing Concern

Sadly, Perfect Pets is not the only business affected by this growing wave of puppy thefts. Bulldogs, particularly French Bulldogs, have become prime targets for thieves due to their high resale value. According to Tom Sharp, CEO of the American Kennel Club Reunite, French Bulldog puppies can sell for anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000, making them a lucrative target for criminals. Larsen believes that the resale opportunities in the lucrative pet market are the primary motivation behind these thefts.

A Community Rallies to Bring Thieves to Justice

In the wake of these incidents, Perfect Pets has offered a $1,000 reward for the safe return of each stolen puppy and an additional $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the man who fled with the dogs. Larsen and his team remain hopeful that the community will come forward with information to help recover the stolen animals. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the crimes to step forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of protecting beloved pets from those who seek to exploit them for profit.