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Shocking CCTV footage reveals the moment a callous thief steals a puppy from its owner's front garden.

Chris Whyte, 48, travelled to York to buy the £700 Border Terrier named Boab after seeing him for sale online.

But just hours after arriving back to his home in Motherwell, the six-month-old dog was gone.

Boab was with Chris's other dog, Tess when he left for work on Monday night, but had vanished within 15 minutes of a friend arriving to check on the pets.

Chris was heartbroken when his CCTV footage revealed images of a man petting the dog before leaning over the fence and grabbing him by the scruff of the neck.

The footage showing the cruel theft has been viewed nearly 200,000 times on Facebook.

Long-distance lorry driver Chris said: "I only had him a few hours, I can't believe someone would just snatch him like that.

"At first I assumed he was just hiding, but after hours of searching, I checked my CCTV footage.

"I was shocked as I watched this person petting him then grabbing him."

He added: "I uploaded it to Facebook and I hope it goes nationwide so somehow I can get him back."

(Image: facebook)

"Boab is just a little puppy and he should be at home and safe. I'm worried for him and I want him back where he belongs."

Chris has made an emotional plea for the safe return of Boab and has offered a £500 reward.

Anyone with information is to contact Police on 101.