Dog-napping is new criminal trade in Detroit

Residents in one west side Detroit neighborhood say thieves are breaking into their homes and stealing dogs.

Carolyn Rhodes and Brittany Thomas live four blocks from each other on Murray Hill Street. Both women said their teacup Yorkshire Terriers were stolen in break-ins that occurred within two days of each other. Both women put up reward fliers.

Thomas said a couple returned her dog, Madison, after the bought it from a man who was selling it at an area gas station.

"He said, 'I have a dog for sale.' And his girlfriend wanted a Yorkie, been wanting one for the longest, and he just bought the dog for $400," Thomas said.

The couple recognized the dog from the flier and gave it back to Thomas.

But Rhodes' dog is still missing.

"It's been very hard since he's gone," she said. "Because I know he's scared. He was just part of the family."

Rhodes said nothing else was taken during her the break-in besides her dog. She said the breed costs about $800.