A mum-of-one has been left distraught after her cat was stolen as her brave neighbour confronted the alleged crook in the street.
Michelle Devanney’s moggy Shelly, 10, vanished from the family home where she lives with her four-year-old daughter Scarlet.
But one of her neighbours was walking his dog and spotted a man carrying a moggy.
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He went up to the dishevelled man – wearing taped up football boots, grey trousers and hoodie and a green coat – while filming him on his mobile phone.
But he then walked off with the cat in his arms.
Upset Michelle has reported it to cops who have launched an investigation.
The neighbour claimed: “That’s my neighbour’s cat you know?”
The man – clutching a moggy – said: “What?”
He alleged: “Yeah that’s my neighbour’s cat.
“Can you put it down.
“I just wanna make sure.
“What’s her name?”
The man asked: “What are you doing?”
The neighbour added “What’s the cat’s name?
“Put the cat down.”
He alleged: “This is someone trying to steal someone’s cat.
“Just want to make sure the police have got the old face.”
Single mum Michelle, 29, told Need To Know: “I was distraught watching the video and my daughter cries and cries for her pet.
“We have had her since she was a kitten and she’s now 10-years-old.”
She claimed: “My neighbour was walking his dog and recognised Shelly.
“He approached the man and told him it was my cat and to put her down and return her to us.
“He refused and just walked off and that’s the last we’ve seen of her.”
It happened in Tooting, south London at 11am on Sunday (Nov 24).
Shelly is microchipped.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were contacted on Monday, November 25 regarding the theft of a cat in Frinton Road, Tooting.
“It is believed the theft took place on Sunday, November 24.
“No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.
“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting 01/1124051/24.
“Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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