A new type of robber hit the Port St Lucie area in Florida after breaking into a home and stealing more than a dozen French Bulldogs.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department reported, “The thieves shattered a bedroom window at a residence and stole 19 French bulldogs. The incident occurred just ahead of 11:30 a.m. Friday. The residents were not home at the time of the burglary.”
“We have evidence showing the suspects fleeing in a four-door vehicle that had damage to its bumper,” the report concluded.
Reports of French bulldogs being stolen have been on the rise in recent years, with many pointing to their high value as a reason for the thefts. Frenchies were the second most popular dog breed in the U.S. in 2020 and cost between $1,500 to $4,500.
“The one-of-a-kind French bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers,” the American Kennel Club says.
Police shared photos of the scene on the department’s Facebook page showing the destroyed window on the home.
Bulldog thieves look to “dog flip” with criminals stealing the animals and breeding them to turn a profit.
Back in July, various criminals managed to steal seven bulldogs from a home in Long Island, a 3-month-old French bulldog puppy from a home in California and another Frenchie from a home in North Jersey.
Singer Lady Gaga even faced widespread news coverage last year when her dog walker was shot and two of her three French bulldogs were stolen. They were later returned.
Port St. Lucie police are asking the public to come forward with any information on the stolen dogs.
