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Bolly the cocker spaniel puppy brought home to family by police after being stolen in December from Otterden

00:00, 23 January 2015

updated: 08:36, 23 January 2015

A five-month-old puppy has been reunited with his owners after he was stolen from the front of their family home in December.

The Austin's first Christmas with Bolly was ruined when the adorable golden Cocker Spaniel was snatched from their home in Frith Road in Otterden on December 18.

But after a police investigation and desperate appeal from the Austins, Bolly has now been reunited with his owners and a man has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen property and cultivating cannabis.

Bolly was reunited with his owners in Faversham after going missing in December
Bolly was reunited with his owners in Faversham after going missing in December

In December, a man was seen pulling up to the front of their home, which is also a luxury bed and breakfast, before grabbing the small dog and dragging him into the car.

The van then reportedly drove off in the direction of Doddington.

The family set up a Facebook page in an appeal for information and even offered a £1,000 reward for his safe return.

On Wednesday, January 21, officers carried out a search warrant, under the Theft Act, at a property in Staplehurst, near Tonbridge, and found a dog matching the description of Bolly.

Officers also recovered what they suspected to be cannabis cuttings and the 21-year-old man, from Staplehurst, has been arrested.

Bolly was stolen a few days before Christmas, but has now been reunited with his owners.
Bolly was stolen a few days before Christmas, but has now been reunited with his owners.

He has been bailed until March 9 2015 pending further enquiries.

Investigating officer PC Lauren Craig said: "I am delighted we have been able to reunite Bolly with his owner.

"This is an ongoing investigation and officers will continue to carry out enquiries to establish the circumstances around this incident."

Frith Road where Bolly was pinched.
Frith Road where Bolly was pinched.

Charlotte Austin said: "I can't describe how happy we are and want to thank everyone for their help.

"We have been overwhelmed from the start from all the support and we are so grateful. He is now going to have the most amazing life.

"To others going through this, don't give up hope. Thank you goes to the RSPCA and the police. Thank you for bringing him home."

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