Police are searching for a woman they believe stole a homeless man’s rat

Police have released pictures of the woman they believed stole a homeless man’s beloved pet rat in broad daylight on a Sydney street.

Police have asked for the public’s help in finding a woman they believe stole a Sydney homeless man’s beloved pet rat.

Chris, 59, has received an outpouring of support after it was revealed his pet rat Lucy was stolen in broad daylight on Pitt St in the CBD.

Chris and Lucy are a well known duo to many Sydney residents who walk past them every day.

The theft occurred just after 2pm on April 6 when Chris went to use a nearby toilet, leaving Lucy and his makeshift set up on the footpath.

When he returned Lucy was no where to be found.

Chris and his pet rat Lucy pictured together before she was stolen. Picture: Facebook

Sydney City Police Area Command have now released CCTV images of a woman they believe is responsible for stealing the pet.

During Chris’ absence, a woman approached his belongings before snatching Lucy and walking off with her.

“The woman is described as being of caucasian appearance, aged in her late 30s or early 40s, of a slim build and with curly brown hair,” the police said.

“She is shown wearing a cream coloured sweater over a yellow shirt and blue shorts over ‘muscle’ print tights.”

The woman who police believe stole Lucy was caught on CCTV. Picture: Sydney City Police Area Command

Police have asked for help from the public in identifying the woman. Picture: Sydney City Police Area Command

Chris’ heartbreaking story came to light when a picture of him was posted on social media along with a sign he had made in the hope that someone would spot Lucy.

“My pet rat Lucy was stolen on Saturday,” the sign read.

“Lucy is black and white with a bit of brown.”

Alyson Pearce, the woman who shared Chris’ sad story on Facebook, blasted the “heartless” person who stole the homeless man’s pet.

Chris wrote a sign in the hope someone would recognise his pet. Picture: Facebook

“Almost everyday since I started my job in the city Chris & his pet rat Lucy have sat in the same spot, Chris chatting to passers-by & Lucy happily munching, sleeping & looking on,” Ms Pearce wrote.

“They are a feature of Sydney city life & I have always smiled when I see them & felt glad they had each other.”

She said she was “genuinely distressed” to pass by one morning and find that Lucy had been stolen.

There has been an outpouring of public support for Chris and his plight to find Lucy. Picture: Facebook

“Taking a homeless persons loved pet — seriously, what a really low act. Please re post this story in the hope that the power of social media may find someone who knows where Lucy is,” the post continued.

“I promised Chris I’d try this, but my social media presence isn’t that large.”

The post quickly gained thousands of comments and has been shared over 20,000 times.

Chris was flooded with so many kind offers to help that Ms Pearce decided to set up a GoFundMe page for him.

The campaign has raised $1104 in just two days from people wanting to help Chris get back on his feet.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.