A pair of bungling burglars who broke into a house in Balham last week were in such a rush to save their own skins they ended up leaving their dog behind.

The dopey assailants managed to flee the scene in Elmbourne Road with an armful of electricals after being spotted in the act by residents but forgot their four-legged accomplice.

Now police are appealing to anyone who recognises the Staffordshire bull terrier to get in touch in the hope it will lead them to its criminal owner- so they can arrest him.

Detective Constable Dennis Butcher said: “Quite why anyone would take a dog on a burglary is a mystery- it’s all a bit Bill Sykes.

“They could have been trying to scare people but this dog looks like she wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Anyone with information should contact the Wandsworth Borough Burglary Team on 020 8247 8716 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.