BBC newsman's beloved dog Cabbage is stolen just weeks into his retirement: Veteran presenter Rory Cellan-Jones appeals for help after thieves steal dog-walker's van with his 12-year-old Collie and another pooch inside

 A veteran BBC broadcaster has appealed for the public's help after his thieves stole his dog-walker's van while his beloved 12-year-old Collie, Cabbage, and another pooch, were still inside.

In a series of tweets this morning, Rory Cellan-Jones told how the black Transit van was taken at 10.20am from East Acton, London.

The former BBC technology correspondent, who retired in August, two years after revealing he was battling both cancer and Parkinson's disease, tweeted at 11.51am:  'Something terrible has happened. 

The theft of Cabbage and Sam comes amid rising numbers of dog thefts in London.

Met Police figures show a 75% rise in reports of dog thefts in the last four years.

Only 180 dog thefts were reported in the capital in 2016 compared with 317 last year.

The Government has been urged to make pet theft a specific crime as it currently only amounts to property theft in law.

The rise in pet theft coinicded with heightened demand for animal companions during Covid lockdowns as potential pet owners found themselves at home for longer periods of time.

Rory Cellan-Jones (pictured) tweeted out for help after Cabbage went missing along with his dog-walkers black van this morning

Rory Cellan-Jones (pictured) tweeted out for help after Cabbage went missing along with his dog-walkers black van this morning

The request for help that Mr Cellan-Jones sent out included a description of the black transit van and number plate for the stolen vehicle

The request for help that Mr Cellan-Jones sent out included a description of the black transit van and number plate for the stolen vehicle

'Our dog walker’s van with our dog Cabbage in it has been stolen while he was picking up another pet.

'Please look out for a black Ford Transit reg AF20 XZD.

'Take a photo and DM me or just ring the police'.

A fellow doglover added to his tweet saying that the other dog that had been snatched was their pooch named Sam. 

Mr Cellan-Jones posts frequently about Cabbage alongside pictures of the two of them on walks since the former BBC technology correspondent's retirement in August

Mr Cellan-Jones posts frequently about Cabbage alongside pictures of the two of them on walks since the former BBC technology correspondent's retirement in August

Cabbage was taken alongside Sam (pictured) though it is not clear whether the thief was intended to steal the dogs as well as the van

Cabbage was taken alongside Sam (pictured) though it is not clear whether the thief was intended to steal the dogs as well as the vanThe journalist retired in August, two years after it was revelaed he was battling both cancer and Parkinson's disease concurrently.

Sharing the news on Twitter in the summer, he wrote: ‘Some personal news..in late October I shall be leaving the BBC.

‘I’ve had the most fabulous time working with brilliant people, but after 40 years it’s time to move on’.

Mr Cellan-Jones has made Cabbage a feature of his Twitter account since his retirement from the BBC.

He regularly posts pictures of his pet on walks with one coming as soon as this morning before Cabbage was nabbed alongisde the van.

Former colleague of Mr Cellan-Jones, Rich Preston tweeted his sympathy.

The BBC reporter said: 'Oh Rory that’s awful I’m so sorry - hope he is found quickly and returned home safe and well'.

Another wellwisher said: 'I’m so so sorry to hear this.

'Hope Cabbage is found soon.' 

No comments:

Powered by Blogger.