A woman has been left heartbroken after her beloved cat was stolen in broad daylight, despite her neighbor’s efforts to confront the suspected thief on a South London street.
Michelle Devanney, 29, who lives with her four-year-old daughter Scarlet in Tooting, was devastated when her 10-year-old cat, Shelly, disappeared from their home.
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A neighbor walking his dog spotted a man carrying a cat matching Shelly’s description and attempted to intervene.
The man, described as disheveled and dressed in taped-up football boots, grey trousers, a hoodie, and a green coat, was caught on video by the neighbor, who approached him to question his intentions.
The neighbor can be heard challenging the man, saying,
“That’s my neighbor’s cat, you know?”
The man, clutching the cat, appeared startled, responding with confusion before ultimately walking away with the animal still in his arms.
Despite the neighbor’s persistent demands to
“put the cat down,”
the man ignored him, and Shelly has not been seen since.
Michelle reported the incident to the police, and an investigation is underway.
Speaking about the ordeal, she said, “I was distraught watching the video, and my daughter cries constantly for her pet.
We’ve had Shelly since she was a kitten, and she’s part of our family.”
She explained how her neighbor had recognized Shelly while out walking his dog and tried to get the man to release the cat, only for the man to refuse and leave the area.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 24, on Frinton Road in Tooting.
Shelly, who is microchipped, remains missing.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were contacted about the theft on November 25 and have opened inquiries.
“No arrests have been made, and investigations continue.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or contact @MetCC on X, quoting reference 01/1124051/24.
Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously at 0800 555 111 or through their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Michelle remains hopeful for Shelly’s safe return, describing her disappearance as a devastating blow to her small family.
“She’s not just a pet; she’s part of our lives,” she said.
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SOURCE: Mum-of-one distraught after cat stolen as brave neighbour confronts ‘thief’ in street
