Detectives said Friday they're investigating the theft of a pricey terrier from a locked West Loop Gate condo building earlier this week and said it's a reminder to residents to make sure all doors are properly secured.
Adam Johnston said he returned home to the Randolph Place Residences, at 165 N. Canal St., at about 5 p.m. Monday after a day at work and didn't immediately see his West Highland White Terrier, Barnaby, as he expected.
"He's my best friend. I'm not usually apart from him for very long," said Johnston, adding that he's had Barnaby since he was a 4-month-old pup.
A search of the apartment showed no sign of the 6-year-old dog, but a closer inspection of the door showed pry marks near the door handle. The deadbolt had not been secured.
Surveillance footage from the building shows Johnston's dog walker, a man with whom he's worked for about nine months, returning Barnaby to the building shortly after 1 p.m. before leaving alone on a bicycle.
Johnson said he doesn't suspect any wrongdoing on the part of the dog walker.
Local
"He seems like a great guy," he said. "In general, that company is great."
Johnston said nothing else in his apartment was disturbed. Dogs like Barnaby can sell for $2,000 to $3,000, detectives said, and a spokesperson with The Anti-Cruelty Society said small, purebred dogs are popular and in high demand throughout the city.
Johnston said he doesn't care what the story is surrounding the burglary. He just wants Barnaby back in his arms.
Anyone with information on the crime should contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-747-8380.
