QUEENS, N.Y. – Two stray dogs are being hailed as heroes after chasing down and stopping a crook who had just stolen a woman's purse.

The New York Daily News reports the incident happened Tuesday evening in Springfield Park in Queens, N.Y.

As the woman got off a bus, the thief grabbed the purse and escaped into the park.

A stray pit bull and German shepherd saw the scrambling crook and chased him down. The teenager was tackled and held down by the dynamic duo until cops arrived on the scene.

The dogs were so determined to keep the suspect in check, Animal Services had to be called to use tranquilizers to get them off the teen.

The purse was returned to the victim and the dogs were released to Animal Services.

Authorities say the bites on the thief's legs were so bad, he may need skin grafts. The suspect was charged with petty larceny and released into the custody of his parents.