THIS is the shocking moment a catnapper was caught on camera clutching a screaming ginger tabby between their thighs and running away.
Rita Purvil, 26, told The Sun her parents are “heartbroken” after their beloved pet Simba was stolen from their driveway in southwest London in broad daylight on Thursday.
SuppliedCops are hunting for a catnapper who was caught on camera[/caption]
The thief was spotted clutching the screaming ginger tabby between their thighs
Simba the tabby was stolen from a driveway in southwest London in broad daylight
Rita Purvil (middle) said her parents were heartbroken after their pet was stolen
In footage captured on their Ring Doorbell around 1pm, the suspect can be seen waddling from the Mitcham address, as the seven-year-old tom – trapped between their legs – squeals for help.
The mysterious figure, dressed in a black coat and grey rucksack, smacks their head on a bush as they struggle to keep a hold of the feline, before turning left and going off-camera.
Rita’s parents Anabela and Carlos Alves reported the catnapping to police, who say they are investigating. No arrests have been made yet.
The couple have offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to Simba’s safe return.
Hairdressing manager Rita, from Warlingham, Surrey, told The Sun: “My mum always feeds Simba at 4pm and he knows when it’s dinner time.
“She noticed he hadn’t returned, which is very unusual for him, so my partner checked their Ring Doorbell camera and saw a really upsetting video of someone running off with him.
“We’re absolutely distraught. Our pets are part of our family. It’s like one of my brothers or sisters is missing.”
The mum-to-be said they do not recognise the assailant and cannot think of a reason why somebody would want to steal their cat.
She added: “I know that people steal cats for breeding but Simba is spayed. He’s just an average orange tabby. He’s not special to anyone except us.
“It’s been keeping me up at night trying to figure out why it’s happened. It’s just so bizarre.
“We’re too scared to let our other cats out now. Everyone in our community is on edge, because if it’s happened once it could happen again.”
Industrial laundrette owner Carlos, 58, and his chef wife Annabella, 52, took stray Simba in six years ago to live with their other cats, Mia and Gin, after finding him wandering the streets.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “On Thursday, November 7 officers received a report that a ginger and white cat had been stolen from Maple Close, Mitcham. No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers.
SuppliedThe robbery was caught on the family’s doorbell camera[/caption]
Mum-to-be Rita said they don’t know any reason why anyone would steal their pet Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
