A COUPLE are offering a reward for the return of their dog after it was stolen.
Kevin and Sandra Brown brought Olly – a Jack Russell – to their Sutton-in-Ashfield home when he was just eight weeks old.
The cheeky pooch soon settled in at the house in Alfreton Road – stealing socks, sausages and toilet rolls, and hiding under duvets when his owners had their backs turned.
But when the 11-month-old terrier escaped from their house in Alfreton Road on Sunday, February 1, he was picked up by two men driving a scrap van – and the Browns have not seen their pet since.
"My son let him out of the house and he got out of the gate and on to the main road where he was running around and basically stopping traffic," said Mr Brown, 57.
"The scrap merchants were good enough to ask at houses further down the road if anyone knew where he lived, but when they didn't they drove off with him.
"We are worried someone may have taken him for hunting or are mistreating him because he's a bit of a softie and he's very much a part of our family so it's been a bit of a nightmare."
Mr Brown reported Olly as missing to the police on Friday, February 1 and then as stolen on February 9.
He said police have been working with the family and officers are following up a sighting of the scrap van.
Shops in Mansfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield are also displaying posters appealing for information.
Mr Brown, a product and environmental manager, said: "We've had some hoax calls and arranged to meet people who say they have him but then no one has shown up which is heartbreaking.
"Olly is quite a distinctive dog – he's got a quiff between his ears, a long tail and although he's white he has dark spots under his fur.
"He's just a really cute thing who doesn't deserve this."
A Notts Police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing to trace the missing dog and if you are the man in the van or know the dog's whereabouts, please get in touch."
Anyone with information about Olly should call Shaun Healy of Notts Police on 101 or Mr Brown on 07801 722950.
