Snowball safely back in the arms of Josh Copp.

A rabbit stolen from an autistic Porirua boy has been returned safe and sound.

Snowball was stolen from Lurene Copp's​ front yard on Sunday night but was returned by police after an eagle-eyed neighbour took the licence plate number of the bunny-napper.

"My neighbour saw the guy get out of his car, pick Snowball up, look around and drive off ... she got a great description of him," Copp said.

SUPPLIED Constable Danny Nguy, of Porirua, with the Snowball lookalike, who is now in the care of the SPCA.

"It happened in broad daylight and I just couldn't believe it. What sort of person steals a rabbit?"

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Copp​ reported the theft and said she was delighted to open the door on Monday evening to a rabbit-carrying policeman.

VIRGINIA FALLON/FAIRFAXNZ Josh likes to tell Snowball stories.

"The policeman had the biggest smile on his face."

It wasn't the only surprise of the evening though. A few hours later another policeman with another rabbit appeared on the doorstep.

"That one wasn't Snowball – it was very funny."

The other rabbit has been taken to a vet for a checkup. Anyone missing a white rabbit is asked to contact Wellington SPCA.

Snowball – "a big friendly rabbit with red eyes" – belongs to Copp's 10-year-old son Josh, who likes to tell it stories.

"He has autism and delayed development, and Snowball is one of his best friends.

"I still just cannot believe someone would steal a rabbit, but I'm just so happy Snowball's home."​

Copp thanked her observant neighbour and the Porirua community who had sent messages of support.

"This is a wonderful, wonderful place and I'm very happy to live here."

On Tuesday, Josh talked about the "bad man" who stole his rabbit and said Snowball had been very worried when he was returned home.

In a written statement, Senior Sergeant Chanel Chapman said police were happy to be able to bring Snowball home.

"The return of this rabbit to its owner means a lot more to him that any of us can imagine.

"It's often the little things that make the biggest difference.

"We took this complaint seriously as the rabbit was important to the child for their well-being."

Police were investigating the theft and would be considering their next course of action, a spokeswoman said.