3:57pm Wednesday 19th December 2007
By Gemma Wheatley
A teenage boy has had two guns held to his head by a gang of teenage robbers who burst into his home in order to steal his puppy.
Seventeen-year-old Michael, was at his Thornton Heath home alone yesterday afternoon when the terrifying robbery happened around 3pm.
Prada, the family's distinctive black and white Staffordshire bull terrier, had run out of the front door but Michael managed to catch him.
It was then that he noticed a gang of five teens, aged between 16 and 18, hanging around on the driveway. The three males and two females were looking into the house.
Just minutes later, Michael was in the front room when three teens burst in. Two of them held guns to his head and, with their fingers on the trigger told him: "Let's not make this messy."
They had entered through the front door of the house, in Strathyre Avenue, which had been left open by plumbers who were installing a central heating system.
As they held the terrified teen hostage in the front room, the two females charged past the plumber working upstairs and snatched Prada.
Shaken Michael immediately called police and armed officers were placed on alert in the surrounding area.
He was left terrified by the incident.
Police are now investigating but Michael and his mum, Maria Auguste, just want to see the safe return of their puppy.
Maria explained: "We are in total shock. Robbers came into our home and held guns to the head of my little boy for what? A puppy, our puppy.
"I cannot stop shaking with fear that something like this can happen to an innocent 17-year-old doing his coursework in his own home. What is this country coming to?
"These people know who they are and we do believe them to be local. We need people who know where Prada is to make contact with us as soon as possible and in the strictest confidence so we can get him back.
"We are heartbroken and just so worried for our little dog. We want him home."
The family are being assisted in their search for Prada by doglost.co.uk and have been putting up posters all over the area.
Founder Jayne Hayes explained: "This is one of the worst incidents we have heard of, to have two loaded guns held to your head as you sit in your own home is terrifying."
Those with information are urged to call Maria and Michael on 07786 277721.
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