Police: SUV with Dog Inside Stolen Midday Sunday in Downtown New Canaan

New Canaan Police are investigating the brazen theft Sunday of an SUV downtown with a small dog inside the vehicle.

Parked while running on Main Street near East Avenue, the Range Rover with a brown French bulldog (pictured at right) was stolen at about 11:47 a.m., according to a press release issued Tuesday by NCPD Public Information Officer Lt. Marc DeFelice.

“New Canaan Police officers responded to the area and attempted to stop the stolen vehicle,” the press release said. “The vehicle left town at a high rate of speed and got onto the Merritt Parkway northbound at Exit 38. The New Canaan Police discontinued following the vehicle at this time in accordance with state law. Investigators, in conjunction with area departments, are actively pursuing this incident and are following up on all leads.”

The 2-year-old frenchie is named ‘Poppy,’ police said.

Car thefts doubled in New Canaan in 2024, officials have said, and in nearly all cases keys had been left inside unlocked vehicles. 

The number of vehicles stolen during daylight hours is rising, DeFelice said in the press release.

“We want to remind everyone that while vehicles continue to be broken into and stolen overnight, these incidents can occur at any time of day,” he said. “The vast majority of these incidents occur when the vehicle is unlocked with the key fob inside. Please lock your car doors and do not leave your keys or key fob inside your car.

In case of a stolen vehicle, do not engage with anyone, call 911 as soon as possible with information.”

He added, “We want to keep our residence safe and make everyone aware of criminal activity that occurs in our town.”

If anyone has any information in regard to this incident, please contact New Canaan Police Investigations Section at 203-594-3521.  This is an active and ongoing investigation in an attempt to recover the stolen Range Rover and French Bulldog Poppy.