A thief got a surprise Tuesday night after stealing a pickup truck in Vaughan, only to discover a pet Rottweiler in the back seat, York Regional Police said.

A man left his 2009 grey Honda Ridgeline running and unlocked while he ran into a convenience store in the area of Hwy. 7 and Martin Grove Road at about 7 p.m. Nov. 29.

When he returned to the parking lot, his truck with his two-year-old dog inside were gone, Const. Andy Pattenden said.

Police scoured the area and found the abandoned vehicle with the dog inside about two and a half hours later in a plaza parking lot at Martin Grove and Silverstone Drive.

Police are looking for a suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 4 District at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7400, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) starting with the word YORK.

Especially with winter approaching, the incident serves as a reminder for drivers, Pattenden said.

Throughout the colder months, police routinely respond to reports where drivers have left their vehicles running and unattended to warm up, only to return to find the vehicle stolen, he said.