A PET owner has warned people to be vigilant after she believes three men tried to steal her dogs.
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Hannah Burton said she was standing in her driveway in Napoleons on Monday when a white van stopped at the front of the home and two men approached her asking to see her powerbox just after 9am.
"I went up to him and kicked him in the groin and told him to leave"
“My landlord hadn’t mentioned anything to me, so I asked them for ID,” Ms Burton said.
“They couldn’t supply any ID and laughed before getting back in the van.”
Her younger staffy, Steele, ran to the back of the van and a third man picked up the dog and was bit on the hand.
“A stranger just picked him up... I don’t blame him (for biting him). I was standing at the front door and opened it and the dogs ran inside,” she said.
Ms Burton said one of the men then approached her near the front door of her home.
“The gentleman stood about one metre away from me and I went up to him and kicked him in the groin and told him to leave,” Ms Burton said.
Ms Burton said plastic bags were covering the number plates of the vehicle.
She reported the incident to police, and upon returning from the station the vehicle arrived at her home again, this time with the number plates removed. The vehicle then drove off again.
Smythesdale Police Acting Sergeant Paul Menz said police had patrolled the area following the incident.
Since the incident occurred, several social media posts have surfaced of homes being targeted by dog thieves.
Acting Sergeant Menz said dog fighting was not an issue in Ballarat, but police were investigating the incident.
The men, of Indian appearance, are believed to have been driving a mid-90s Toyota Hiace van. Any witnesses are urged to contact Ballarat Police on 5336 6000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au
