News

Actions

Cleveland couple offering $200 reward after their pet mini-pig was stolen during a break-in

Posted at 11:16 AM, Sep 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 13:08:19-04

A couple on Cleveland's west side says their pet mini-pig was stolen after a break-in at their home Monday. 

Officers responded to 1400 block of West 50th Street after a resident said he returned home from work to find his back door wide open, even though he locked it when he left.

He noticed the back window had been popped open and removed for someone to get access to the house.

While walking around his house, he noticed two flat screen TVs, several pieces of jewelry, a camera and his 15-pound pet pig named Spam, was taken from the house.

Valerie Couch has owned Spam since he was just a little piglet. The one-year-old mini pig weighs less than 15 pounds.

"It's just sad somebody would do this," Couch said. "My guess is they just want to sell him and make some money. But you know. he's part of our family. Keep the electronics, but don't take somebody's pet."

Couch said she hopes her public plea will result in Spam's safe return. The couple is offering a $200 reward for any anonymous tips that lead to his safe return.

"He's a spitfire, so he's probably driving somebody crazy right now," she said. "So just bring him back to his home where we can take care of him the right way."

The couple's dog and cat were left safely inside the home.

A neighbor told police that she saw a tall, thin man — approximately 18 to 21 years old — exit a newer, black 2-door vehicle that was backed into the victim's driveway.

The neighbor told police she didn't see the man enter the house but saw him take off running as the black vehicle followed him.

Cleveland police said Tuesday that a detective will be assigned to the case.