Dognapping: Deputies Review Crime Video

Video of a dognapping has been released to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, according to a statement from the Kaleidoscope mall where the crime occurred.

The theft was an isolated incident, said Lisa Miller, director of operations for the Kaleidoscope Entertainment Center.

On Feb. 22, someone broke into a black Escalade SUV in the Kaleidoscope parking lot and stole jewelry and a 4-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Pudsy.

Pudsy owner Patricia Karns of San Clemente issued a $2,000 reward for the safe return of her Yorkie.

Miller said the center's staff uses the same parking as the general public, and asked customers not to leave pets unattended.

Pudsy was left in the SUV with a pink princess pet pillow, food and water.

Here is Miller's full statement:

Kaleidoscope has been helping the authorities with the investigation into the matter from the beginning.

Kaleidoscope had security personnel on duty the evening of February 22. Security was notified at the time, the Sheriff’s Department was called and a report was taken. Upon the Management Office receiving notification, the security camera tapes began to be reviewed. 

We are providing the Sheriff’s Department the surveillance video and any information requested in order to expedite the return of the dog to its rightful owner. Our policy is to provide the appropriate police authorities with the security video rather than directly to the public. Although an isolated incident, security has also been stepped up as a precaution.

Kaleidoscope is a safe place to be, shop and dine. Our center offices are located on the premises and we use the same parking lot as our customers.  We want our customers to feel safe and be safe and although we don’t recall having any issues on property in the past, we want to reassure our customers as they are our first priority.

As a reminder, leaving valuables in a car is something that is usually discouraged at any shopping area and that would extend to leaving pets in vehicles as well.

As a fellow dog owner, I’d like to see the dog returned safely to her owner and we are actively taking steps to hopefully help speed her safe return.