LAPD warns public of sophisticated "dognapping" scheme
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department is warning the public about a new and sophisticated "dognapping" scheme, reports CBS Los Angeles.
Police said that about 3 p.m. on April 14, two women dressed in what looked like official uniforms showed up at a man's Echo Park apartment and told him they were officers with the LAPD's Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF), according to the station.
The women told the homeowner they were there because of "multiple complaints" about the man's dog being neglected. The women handed the man a flier and said they were there to confiscate the dog, reports the station.
The victim said the flier appeared to be legitimate and contained accurate information about the LAPD's ACTF office.
Even though the man knew his dog was neither neglected or abused, he said he felt compelled to turn his pet over to the "officers."
CBS Los Angeles spoke to the dog's owner, who was too upset to talk on camera.
After the women left with the dog, the victim contacted the number on the flier and was advised the ACTF had not been involved.
One of the suspects is described as a Latina, about 5 feet tall, 140 pounds and about 35 years of age. The other is described as white, also 5 feet and 140 pounds and 35 years of age.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the LAPD at (213) 484-3400.