A desperate search is underway to find a Gold Coast family’s beloved dog, which was stolen by thieves who ransacked their home while they were on holidays.
Key points:
- Luke Durman is pleading with the thieves to leave Bowie somewhere safe so he can be retrieved
- Mr Durman’s car was stolen and his house was ransacked during the robbery, which he says has left police “baffled”
- Bowie, a four-year-old Australian shepherd, is blind and likely to get lost in unfamiliar surroundings
Luke Durman raised the alarm when he returned with one of his sons yesterday afternoon to find his Southport home had been broken into and his car and Australian shepherd, Bowie – who is blind – missing.
Mr Durman said the front door was pried open and there was food strewn across the floor, golf clubs snapped in half, cupboards and filing cabinets turned upside down and his wife’s wedding gown was missing.
“They have been destructive,” he said.
“Baby photos shoved into the toilet as well.
“The police were quite baffled by it.”
Mr Durman said panic set in when Bowie did not run to meet them.
After a frantic search of the yard, their fears were confirmed.
“We didn’t know whether he had run away, but then we realised his leads had been taken and we realised he had been stolen,” Mr Durman said.
“It’s the not knowing and not being able to do anything that is the most heartbreaking thing.”
Four-year-old Bowie has full cataracts, requires daily care and could easily become disorientated.
‘Zero regard’
Mr Durman said his children were hysterical and has pleaded for the return of their beloved pet.
He and his 10-year-old son Leo have spent the day driving around the Gold Coast following up on potential sightings.
“I was telling my dad, ‘We have to go and find him right now,” Leo said.
“It was so heartbreaking that I may never get to see my dog again.
“I don’t want that to happen.”
“Put him somewhere safe and let the public pick him up,” he said.
“To do something like that shows zero regard for people’s feelings.
“It’s just a disgusting thing to do.
“You got what you want — just take it and go.
“You don’t have to take the dog, you don’t have to trash the house in the process of stealing a car.”
Mr Durman said house-sitters had been minding Bowie until they left at about 9am on Thursday.
Neighbours reported seeing the family of four’s car – grey 2022 Hyundai Tuscon station wagon with Queensland registration 021FO8 – leaving approximately one hour later.
Detectives believe the car was used in a fuel drive-off at a Shell service station at Yamba, on the New South Wales North Coast, at about 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.
A dog was captured on camera in the back.
Police are urging anyone who has seen the tricoloured dog or the stolen vehicle to contact them.