WATCH: Police are investigating after two dogs were stolen in Saanich Saturday. The owner was grocery shopping when they were taken. Isabelle Raghem reports.
When John Heslop came out from the grocery store on Saturday evening, he was shocked to see his two dogs missing.
“I was in there 6, 8 minutes top. And they were gone,” says Heslop.
He had tied them to a handrail outside the Save on Foods on the 3900 block of Shelbourne St., like he had done numerous times in the past.
Prior to going in, Heslop noticed a man petting his two dogs and says he gave him a strange feeling.
“I didn’t listen to my gut instinct when I should have.”
When he came out both his 7 year old German Shepherd and 14 year old wolf/coyote breed had been untied and were gone.
An unknown woman then approached Heslop and told him that she saw a man running south on Shelbourne St. with two large dogs.
Their 14 year old wolf/coyote breed was returned home Sunday morning, after a man said the dog was wondering alone on the UVic campus.
“We received a report overnight that UVic security checked a fellow sleeping with two dogs that matched their description, ” says Staff Sgt Chris Horsley with Saanich police, “of course, they weren’t aware of the thefts at that time. It looks like one or both dogs were released by the individual.”
Late Sunday morning, John Heslop received a call from UVic security, telling him the German Shepherd had also been released and was roaming on campus.
“I’m just overjoyed, I can’t describe it… It’s like your long lost family member finally found,” says Heslop.
Heslop says he’s just happy to have the family back together on Easter.
Saanich Police say they are still looking to find and speak with the man who took both dogs.
They say he could face charges of theft.
He is described as Caucasian, in his 20’s, about 5’8″, with a thin build, dark hair and no facial hair.
He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, dark sunglasses and possibly a “lumberjack” jacket.
Anyone with information being asked to call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321.
Isabelle Raghem
