Oliver was stolen between 7:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. He was returned to his owners Thursday.(Photo: Ken Bacha )
Grosse Pointe Woods — A 10-month-old Yorkshire Terrier stolen Wednesday during a home burglary has been safely returned to the dog’s owners, police said Thursday.
Ken Bacha, who lives in the 1900 block of Beaufait, said his dog, Oliver, was stolen between 7:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Also taken during the burglary were two televisions and some jewelry, he said.
Bacha said his mother came to let Oliver out when she noticed that the door was kicked in. Police arrived and cleared the house, Bacha said. The family then discovered Oliver, who had been in his cage during the robbery, was stolen.
“Oliver has been recovered, is safe and sound and has been turned over to the family today,” according to a statement released by police.
Oliver is black and tan, 10 months old and 5 pounds.
"(Oliver) is part of the family. To think that somebody else could own him or potentially harm him is very devastating," Bacha said.
Bacha said he learned from police Wednesday that there have been a rash of break-ins in the area.
On Thursday, Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety addressed the uptick in crime in the area, saying home invasions have occurred in the south end of the city, primarily south of Vernier and west of Mack.
“Over the last two weeks, we have arrested eight individuals in our community for suspicious activities, including attempted larceny from homes and drug possession,” police said. “Even with these arrests, we know there are other criminals coming into our community actively looking for the opportunity to commit these types of crimes.”
In an alert to residents last week, police warned residents of a home invasion in the area of Kenmore and Mack, several streets from Wednesday's break in.
“We have had reports of homeowners hearing a knock on their door and when going to the door, they find no one there. If you observe anyone approaching homes that may cause concern or raise suspicion, please call immediately,” police said Thursday.
Also last week, Grosse Pointe Farms Police warned residents that the city and neighboring areas were experiencing a rash of home invasions. In most of those cases, the suspect entered through unlocked doors, police said.
In neighboring Harper Woods, police sent out an alert to residents, saying they were investigating three daytime home invasions that occurred Wednesday as well as a carjacking that occurred on the 19400 block of Old Homestead. A 64-year-old woman was robbed of her vehicle at gun point, police said. She was not injured.
Earlier, Harper Woods warned of more than 30 home invasions or attempted home invasions since July 1. Most of the incidents were in the south end of the city.
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