Two young brothers have been left heartbroken after the theft of their new pup.

A thief leapt over a fence into the family’s garden in Sheepridge, grabbed 11-week-old Staffordshire bull terrier-American bulldog cross Snoopy, jumped back over the fence and fled.

The daring theft happened at 7.20pm on Monday and was witnessed by a neighbour.

Mrs Jane Green, 35, of Well Grove, told how her sons Nathan, nine, and Brandon, seven, had been left devastated.

“We can’t believe what has happened,” said Jane. “Snoopy had been in the kitchen in a crate and must have gone outside to go to the toilet.

“The next thing we knew my neighbour came round to tell us Snoopy had been stolen.”

Both Nathan and Brandon have learning difficulties and, although they had only had Snoopy for two weeks, he had become part of the family.

“Brandon and Snoopy were inseparable,” said Jane. “Now he can’t get to sleep and was shouting out ‘bring him back’ in the night.

“We were using Snoopy as therapy for Brandon, to help him develop a sense of caring and to be gentle.

Snoopy the dog with owner Brandon Rowlands
Snoopy the dog with owner Brandon Rowlands

“Nathan is also upset. He wouldn’t go to sleep because he thought the robber was coming back. Snoopy isn’t just a family pet, he’s a companion.”

Immediately after the theft the family toured the estate looking for the man, who was wearing a hat and a white top.

They saw a man fitting the description getting into a taxi – without a dog.

“We think he’s been stolen to order,” said Jane. “We want to hear from anyone who has seen Snoopy.”

The family has put up posters around their home and police are to carry out house-to-house inquiries.

Snoopy is white with black markings but has distinctive eyes. One is blue and the other is brown.

Anyone with information can ring Jane on 07414 818407.

The owners of Peaches the puppy pug are still hoping their beloved pet may be found.

She was stolen by thieves from her home in The Grove, Batley in June.

Peaches, who was seven-months-old, was taken from the front garden of the property by the thieves pictured in the video below.

Click to watch the thieves steal Peaches.

Video Loading

She was the pet of six-year-old Ellis Barret, who was left heartbroken after the cruel theft.