Woman has sausage dog stolen by gang of thieves outside petrol station
Police have launched a manhunt after a female dog walker was attacked outside a petrol station and robbed of her miniature dachshund.
Joanna Fox was assaulted by two men while she was taking an evening walk along Moira Road in Woodville at around 8.20 pm on Sunday, Derbyshire Police said.
The 50-year-old was shoved to the ground by the two men who then stole her sausage dog Minnie as she yelped in pain.
The men then fled in a black Ford Mondeo with the two-year-old dog, leaving Fox feeling “lost" and "broken”.
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Derbyshire Police has now launched an investigation and urged any anyone with information to come forward.
Ms Fox told the BBC one man knocked her over and grabbed Minnie as the other held his fist to her face after what had been a "really peaceful" stroll.
She said: “A man who was masked pushed me and I fell on the ground.
"The tall man was yanking the lead and the short one was hovering above me as if to hit my face.
"The look on the short man's face was a look of hate. Minnie was shouting in pain.
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"All I want is the dog to come back. I just feel broken, I feel lost."
Police said their car registration begins with YG60 in the direction of Albert Village.
Both men are described as being aged in their 30s, with one of the men being white, of a stocky build and with short fair hair.
Detectives are also asking anyone who was in the nearby Asda filling station in Burton Road between 8pm and 8.15pm to get in touch.
South Derbyshire Police Chief Inspector Chris Thornhill said: “Incidents such as this are, thankfully, very rare in Derbyshire.
“However, I am very aware of the impact that these crimes have on victims and how worried fellow dog owners will be hearing this news.
“Patrols have been stepped up in the area and you may see an increased police presence in the coming days.
"I would urge anyone with information, or concerns, to speak to them.”
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