Maximus, a 22-week-old Cocker Spaniel, was stolen from his home in Claygate, Surrey, just a few days before Christmas 2015 by a burglar now identified as Rabbi Luaka. Two iPads, a dog lead and some jewellery – including an engagement ring – were also stolen from the house, as well as significant damage being caused to the property by Luaka and his accomplices. 
    As the burglars were leaving, however, the local postman spotted them carrying Maximus alongside the stolen products. He was able to write down the number plate of the thieves’ car and alerted a nearby neighbour who called Maximus’ owners. Later that day, those involved were arrested after they dumped the jewellery, iPads and the puppy. 

  Despite being dumped, Maximus was found and handed to Treetop Kennels in Guildford just a day after, and was retrieved by the family just in time for Christmas. The owner, Sandra Dowling, commented:

“We are obviously over the moon with the result. I’ve never had anything taken from me before; it’s just terrible, unbelievable.”

Ms Dowling went on to add that

“He is just a little puppy, he hasn’t done anything to anyone. I had myself worked up thinking we would never see him again.”

    Social media played a fundamental part in helping to locate Maximus. An online appeal was launched to help find him, with various different descriptions and pictures of the puppy viewed over 40,000 times.                         
     

   Recently, over two years after the burglary, Luaka has been sentenced by Lady Justice Hallett to two and a half years in youth detention for such a ‘callous’ crime. His appeal on April 17th 2018 was dismissed the Lady Justice Hallet, who argued that,

“The family were devastated by the burglary.

“Not only did they take items of sentimental value and importance, but they took one of the family’s pets.”

    Luaka was just 17 at the time of the burglary, and his lawyers contended that the sentence should be reduced from two-and-a-half years due to his young age. 
    
   Despite this, the sentence has been upheld due to the cruel nature of the crime and the impact on the victim family. The judge had already reduced Luaka’s sentence based on his age and was well aware of the fact that he was young, therefore further reduction was not required. The burglar’s appeal was ignored and he is currently serving his sentence. My puppy, Maximus, is now able to enjoy chewing on a bone after being safely delivered back to my home.