HEARTLESS thieves snatched a dog from a family’s front garden, leaving the owners devastated. 

Kaia, a tan-brown coloured Lhasa-poo, was allegedly stolen from the front garden of an address near Ashingdon Road on Friday lunchtime.

Echo: Stolen - Kaia, a tan-brown coloured Ihasa-pooStolen - Kaia, a tan-brown coloured Ihasa-poo (Image: Newsquest)

Mum and daughter Gill and Alison Devine have been left heartbroken and are pleading for the public’s help to find their pet.

Alison described Kaia as her mother’s “companion and best friend”.

She said: “This has had the most awful effect on mum and me, it has got to be one of the worst times we have ever had as a family.

“Kaia is literally the sweetest, most loving dog. She has helped heal our family and she is our absolute world.

“We are devastated. We are both physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.

“It is breaking both of our hearts.

She added: “My mum is elderly, and Kaia is her companion and best friend.

“We also had the shocking news on Saturday that my mum’s sister suddenly passed away. My mum needs Kaia back home more than anything.

“Someone somewhere knows where Kaia is and we just urge them to do the right thing.”

Kaia was in the front garden which was secured with Gill at the time. Gill had popped inside for a matter of minutes, and as she returned Kaia was gone and the gate was opened.

Essex Police is now investigating the incident and believes the dog was stolen.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating the theft of a dog from an address in Rochford.

“It was reported to have happened between 11.30am and noon on May 26.

“A tan-brown coloured Lhasa-poo, with a curly coat and a black muzzle was taken from the front garden of the property.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/95951/23.”