Reward increased for info about stolen Yorkie

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — The reward for a dog stolen from an Alexander County home has been raised to $1,300.

Channel 9 reported last week that someone stole Chloe, a Yorkie, along with a laptop and TVs.

Deputies believe the break-in could be related to half a dozen other recent crimes where suspects used a crowbar or kicked in the doors.

The 6-year-old Yorkie, named Chloe, belongs to Jennifer Martin.

When she came home, she found the back door to her house north of Taylorsville had been forced open. Her laptop, two TVs, her dog's crate and her dog were missing.

"She is just a dog but she is my family," Martin said.

"In my opinion it is pretty lowdown for an individual to even think about doing that," said Alexander County Sheriff Chris Bowman.

Sheriff deputies said the thieves are kicking in doors or using a crowbar to pry their way inside.

They only spend a few minutes inside the homes, grabbing what they can but leaving a mess for homeowners to cleanup.

"I found the damage from breaking in through the carport door," said resident Jennifer Anderson.

One couple had guns and jewelry stolen from their home west of town. Deputies believe more than a half-dozen recent cases may be connected.

"Worse part of it is the violation. It really wasn't the monetary value," said Travis Anderson.

A Honda Civic was spotted on a surveillance camera near the couple's home. Deputies hope that car and the pictures of Chloe will give them the lead to solve the cases.

"Bring her back. Put her in her crate and place her on that covered porch and leave her. That's what I want.  I just want my dog," Martin said.

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