The Kelowna community is scrambling to try to help reunite a local family with its stolen dog.
Atlas, an 18-month old golden retriever, was lured from a fenced yard near Kelowna General Hospital on Saturday night.
Police were told that the woman appeared to open a gate to the property in the 2400 block of Taylor Crescent before calling Atlas out of the yard.
The dog followed the woman, who fled on foot towards Birch Avenue.
Since Saturday, the RCMP have obtained surveillance video footage from the neighbourhood that shows the woman luring Atlas out of the yard and fleeing the scene.
With this footage, it’s hoped the public can help authorities identify the woman and aid the RCMP’s investigation.
“RCMP are taking the matter seriously,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Police have followed up on some investigative leads, as they continue their efforts to identify the woman in the video and ultimately locate Atlas.”
“At this time there are some indications that the theft may have been targeted, however police will continue to treat the incident as random until that can be confirmed. At this time there are no other similar reports that we are aware of.”
The woman is described as Caucasian with blonde hair and was seen wearing a dark-coloured jacket, dark pants and a white toque at the time of the theft.
She was also reportedly associated to a white SUV.
Anyone with information on the crime, the woman’s identity or the location of Atlas is urged to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and quote file number 2019-12609.
You can also report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.
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