Neighbors believe young kids stealing dogs, vandalizing homes

Folks who live in a Pleasant Grove neighborhood believe a string of crimes in their community are the work of two young kids believed to be in third and fourth grade.

One of the victims says the kids stole his family's dog, and while he reported the crime to police, he learned there likely isn't much they can do about it.

While surveillance video clearly shows the crimes are the act of kids, Dallas police say they can't be prosecuted because they're under 10. However, victims say that answer isn't good enough.

When I saw the video, I couldn't believe it," said Abraham Dzul, whose dog was stolen.

The video was taken early on a Tuesday morning, during school hours.

"From what we know, they're fourth and third graders," said Dzul.

Dzul says a brother and sister stole his family's heart -- a 2-year-old American bulldog named Gucci.

After getting broken into last week, Dzul says he installed surveillance cameras.

In surveillance video, the two kids first act like they're petting the dog. They then come around front, wait for the right moment, break open a section of fence and minutes later, get Gucci.

Jonathan Moore, who lives across the street, caught the tiny thieves on camera. The kids are no older than his children.

Aside from stealing dogs, Moore believes they're also responsible for neighborhood vandalism totaling thousands in damage.

"They've busted out our windows at least six times over the last year," he said.

Patrice Ross says after her pit bull was taken last month, she found the dog stashed in a stranger's yard and then confronted the two kids.

"I said, 'I need you to take me to your house; I know what y'all have done,'" said Ross. "The little boy was crying, 'We're going to get in trouble! I don't want to get in trouble.'"

Ross says the kids took her to three different houses.

"I look back, she's hollering his name and they just ran off," she said.

Those targeted say although the two may be skipping school, they're bound for a hard lesson.

"They're going to end up in jail," said Dzul. "I know we go through our young ages and we do stupid stuff. As long as they bring my dog back, that's all I care."

Many of the victims FOX 4 spoke to suspect that an adult, whether a parent or older sibling, is putting the kids up to this.

Even if the kids can't be criminally charged, victims want their parents to be held accountable and at the very least, to pay for damages.

Gucci, who the family says is valued at $1,800, is still missing.