Pearl, stolen French bulldog, reunited with owner

Pearl the French Bulldog, who was stolen during a residential burglary in Halstead, has been safely located and reunited with her grateful owner.

Officers were called to an address close to Winston Way at around 8.20am on 24 May following reports of an aggravated burglary. The owner reported that their beloved French Bulldog had been taken by the suspects.

Since being reported missing, officers from across our teams have been working hard to find Pearl.

They’ve searched numerous locations, viewed hours of CCTV, spoken to local residents in the area and already arrested two people on suspicion of aggravated burglary in connection with the investigation.

And earlier this week, they asked for your help to locate Pearl and to share our appeal.

Thanks to information we received, she was located in Tendring on the evening of Thursday 8 June, by officers from our Rural Engagement Team (pictured). She has now been reunited with her loving owner.

Detective Sergeant Luke Howard from Braintree CID, who have been leading the investigation, said:

"I'm absolutely delighted that Pearl is now safely where she belongs and I’m sure she’ll be thoroughly enjoying cuddles and treats for many days to come.

“We never underestimate the devastating impact that these crimes have on owners. Many of us work with courageous Police Dog sidekicks or have four-legged children at home and couldn’t bear to be apart.

“So, I’m extremely proud that with your help, we’ve been able to locate another best friend and bring them home.

“Pearl’s owner has expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported the appeal and contacted us, telling us of Pearl’s whereabouts.

“Now our focus returns to continuing our investigation to bring the people responsible to justice.

“And to those of your that shared our appeal, thank you.”

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

You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service.

Live Chat is an online service available on our website Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm, where you can send and receive real-time direct messages with an online digital 101 operator.

To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website. It can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

Alternatively you can call us on 101.

To find out more about the different reporting services visit our 'Help Us Help You' webpage. 

Please quote incident 42/92943/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.