A DISTRAUGHT dog owner has shared sinister CCTV footage of the moment a brazen thief stole his beloved pet.

The video shows a person loitering outside Andy Brown’s home in East Bowling and beckoning nine-year-old Charlie towards him.

When the coast is clear, the person leans over a wall and plucks the schnauzer up by the scruff of its neck, before running across the road with A white van can be seen pulling up on the opposite side of the road at the same time, which is drive away a few seconds later.

The theft happened at around 8.45pm on Wednesday in New Hey Road.

Mr Brown said: “He is a family pet who we have had since he was a puppy. He has a lovely nature and is very trusting.

“We did everything we could to make sure he could be traced if he was lost. We don’t want anything like this to happen to anyone else, but owners may have to stand with their dog even if they are in the garden.

“If anyone knows where Charlie is, call the police, or contact me on Facebook.”

Police are expected to visit Mr Brown this evening.

Charlie is microchipped, said Mr Brown.

SEE THE CCTV SHOWING THE MOMENT THE BRAZEN THIEF STOLE CHARLIE FROM THE FAMILY'S GARDEN