ORANGE PARK, Fla. – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday asked for help identifying two men they said are sought in connection to the theft of a puppy from a store at the Orange Park Mall.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the theft happened on the afternoon of June 6 at the Bff Puppies store.
Investigators said surveillance video showed one person enter the store and a second person walking in behind him shortly thereafter. They said both met up at a dog crate.
According to deputies, the second person walked over to an associate and caused a distraction while the other person opened the door of the crate, taking the puppy and walking out. The second person then followed, deputies said.
“It seems to be well thought out and they actually parked over by Dick’s (Sporting Goods) and Belk, walked through Dick’s and came all the way through the mall to the puppy store and exited through the AMC and went back to their vehicle. So it was very well planned,” said Clay County Deputy A.M. Harris.
Deputies also shared a photo of a white Ford SUV seen leaving the parking lot.
When asked how brazen was this particular theft, “A whole nother level,” said Deputy A.M. Harris. “No shame whatsoever.”
The puppy was said to be a shih-poo. The dog is worth $2,800.
“We are very concerned about the welfare of the puppy. That’s the main concern,” Harris said.
The Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information to contact Deputy Harris by emailing or calling 904-264-6512. An anonymous tip can be submitted to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.