Desperate search for blind dog allegedly stolen from Southport home during break-in

Police have released CCTV footage showing a car and blind dog allegedly stolen from a Gold Coast family at a service station in Yamba. WATCH THE VIDEO

Police have released CCTV footage from a service station in Yamba that appears to show a car and dog allegedly stolen during a shocking break-in and ransacking of a Southport home.

Bowie, a four-year-old Australian shepherd, was taken from the Durman family’s home when it was ransacked by a group of offenders between 10am and 1.15pm Wednesday.

Image from a CCTV video released by police appearing to show the Durman family’s missing car and dog Bowie at a service station in Yamba.

On Thursday evening police released video footage taken at a service station in Yamba at about 4.30pm the same day.

In the footage the family’s missing grey 2022 Hyundai Tucson, registration 021FO8, is clearly visible.

Sitting in the passenger seat is a dog which appears to match the description of Bowie, a blind, tri-coloured Australian Shepard with distinctive black, white and gold fur, and blue eyes.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen or know this man to come forward.

Police said they wished to speak to a man pictured driving the car and entering the service station.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen or know the man, or may have seen Bowie in the Northern New South Wales area to come forward.

Earlier, a “heartbroken” young boy pleaded for the safe return of his beloved pet.

The Durman family discovered Bowie was missing when they arrived back from a ski trip to find the front door of their Regatta Parade home “jimmied open”.

His leash was also taken.

Luke Durman and 10-year-old son Leo Durman (right) speak to the media outside their home. Picture: Melanie Whiting

“I was crying and didn’t know what to do,” 10-year-old owner Leo Durman said.

“I was telling my dad, ‘we have to find him right now’.

“It’s so heartbreaking that we might never see the dog again.

“He’s special - there’s not many dogs that are cute like him. He’s very friendly and loves people.”

Bowie is partially blind and requires regular medical attention.

Police said the group that broke in also ransacked the home, trashed rooms and stole several items including the family’s Hyundai Tucson.

Kristy Durman and her two children with their dog, Bowie, who was allegedly stolen from their Southport home on Wednesday. Photo: Supplied.

Leo’s dad Luke Durman pleaded with those responsible to return him.

“You don’t get any lower than that, taking someone’s family dog,” Mr Durman said.

“If someone does have him - put him somewhere public, put him back in touch with us.”

Mum Kristy Durman has also pleaded for the return of the dog, saying all other items could be replaced.

The Durman children with their beloved Bowie. Picture: supplied

Items from the fridge were thrown across the kitchen floor and lego was dumped in a toilet during the bizarre crime spree.

Among the items taken were a wedding dress, a school blazer, rugby jerseys and a sentimental bottle filled with sand.

“It’s just baffling. I’m still trying to understand why someone would do that,” Mr Durman said

“Our house sitters left at 9am and they got in not long after that, so I think they were watching (the house).”

The mess left in the kitchen. Picture: supplied

It is understood the group fled the scene in the family’s car, taking the dog with them.

Bowie is blind, has a red, tan and white coat, with blue eyes.

Anyone who has seen him or the stolen car is urged to immediately phone police on 131 444.

Police are trying to reunite Bowie with his owners. Picture: QPS

Animal Welfare League Queensland spokesman Craig Montgomery said Bowie was likely facing “extreme distress, confusion and anxiety” due to the sudden change in his environment and routine.

“We want to stress that the circumstances surrounding Bowie’s condition are far from ordinary, being an animal with a disability,” Mr Montgomery said.

“Animals thrive on routine and familiarity. For a blind dog like Bowie, his home, his family, and the consistent routines they follow become his ‘sight’.

“By disturbing this balance, it will be causing him immense stress and potentially endanger his well-being.”

Investigations are continuing.