Express & Star

Rico's home! Delight as dog stolen from Morrisons car park is returned

A dog stolen from a supermarket car park in the Black Country has been returned home after 15 days.

Published
Last updated
Reunited - Hosea Stewart and Rico are delighted to see each other. Photo: Hosea Stewart

Boxer Hosea Stewart and his partner Aymie Crowther were left devastated when Rico, a two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Mastiff, was stolen from the car park of Morrisons off the Black Country Route in Bilston on June 27.

Rico, who needs daily medication, was left in the car with the window open as the couple briefly went into the shop for supplies. But when they returned they were horrified to find he had been taken.

Rico was returned home to his family on Friday. Photo: Hosea Stewart

Hosea and Aymie offered a £1,000 reward and their appeals for Rico's safe return were shared by thousands of people on social media.

But on Friday the couple shared the happy news that Rico is back home.

Writing on Facebook, 22-year-old Hosea said: "Rico’s back home. After 15 days none stop searching day after day. He’s back where he belongs.

"Fortunately someone got in contact after hearing what’s happened and reached out to meet us.

Hosea with his beloved pet dog before he was taken

"Now our boy can get back to full health and the family can finally have some peace of mind. Knew it was only a matter of time.

Again thank you to every single last individual who have been sharing, looking day after day, asking and keeping watch for Rico the support and love for this dog is something special!"

Speaking to the Express and Star, he added: "We are over the moon, the family are overwhelmed – we are so happy Rico is home.

"All we wanted was Rico back home safe and sound. We are so happy to have him back and we are just glad he is safe now.

"He had been missing for 15 days and we had been searching for Rico everyday. He's part of our family."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.