HOUSTON, TX – A Houston pet store is reeling after three puppies were stolen during business hours. The incident occurred at Pet Place, located on Beemer Road near the Gulf Freeway, and was caught on surveillance cameras.
The store’s owner, Adam Ail, is distraught over the theft, which was carried out by a group that included a young child. The group entered the store, split up, and swiftly stole both merchandise and animals.
Security footage shows the group orchestrating the theft with precision. While some members distracted employees by pretending to shop, others snuck to the back to commit the crime. The stolen items, including the puppies and various pet supplies, are valued at over $10,000.
The video captures a teenage girl and a younger girl opening crates and taking the puppies, which were then handed to a man who concealed them. The teenage girl returned to grab another puppy left behind before they all left the store.
Ail, who runs the family-owned business, is particularly disturbed by the involvement of a child in the theft. He is determined to see justice served and hopes to recover the stolen puppies.
In the wake of the incident, Ail has bolstered security measures to prevent future thefts. The Harris County Constable Precinct 2 is conducting an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The community’s support is crucial as Ail seeks the return of the stolen animals. The incident underscores the challenges faced by small businesses and the need for vigilance and solidarity.