'You really don't know what you would do': recent dog robbery victim provides tips if you become a victim after recent crimes

WASHINGTON (7News) — After two more French bulldogs were stolen in D.C. this week, Teffiney Worthy's heart sank.

Worthy is all too familiar with being on the wrong end of these crimes.

Last month, a suspect held her up with a weapon and stole her French bulldog, Hendrix, out of her hands. In the surveillance video, you can see Worthy crumble to her stoop, wondering what will happen to her beloved pet.

"You really don't know what you would do until you're put in that situation. In my case, I was just caught off guard, shocked, didn't know what to do," Worthy said. "It's stressful. Just wondering if it could happen again, different measures to put in place if that happens again, just wondering what's being done to fix these crimes."

This week, two more dog owners are going through what Worthy experienced.

On Monday, a French bulldog named Tyson - who also responds to the name Cheese - was stolen in a home burglary on Galveston Place SE.

Then on Friday, thieves stole a French bulldog named Mocha at gunpoint. The victim in this case thought she was meeting up with someone who wanted to buy her dog.

Fortunately for Worthy, she was able to recover Hendrix just days after the crime, which she attributes to quick actions.

"Putting flyers up, working with the police, the community, just everyone," Worthy said. "Just getting it out there, letting friends and family know. Social media was a huge help. I had friends that posted and continued posting until he was found. Just getting the word out there, being proactive, and speaking to whomever would like to hear."

There have been at least seven French bulldogs stolen in the DMV since November, six of them in D.C.

The Humane Rescue Alliance told 7News last month it's important to be proactive.

"Not only microchip your dog, but make sure the microchip is registered with your information," said Humane Rescue Alliance's Dan D'Eramo.

D'Eramo also recommends asking neighbors for surveillance video if your dog is stolen.

Worthy told 7News she has taken these proactive steps, and more.

"I was able to microchip him, register him. That's the next step you do after you microchip. He has his collar on and an AirTag," Worthy said. "Walking around with mace, or if you need other weapons to protect yourself and your pet by all means necessary."

MPD also provided the following tips:

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted by your cell phone. If you’re wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough that you can hear someone approaching you.
• Try to travel with others and walk in populated and well-lit areas.
• Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
• Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
• Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you uneasy, leave. If you feel like a crime is imminent, call 911, scream, or raise an alarm.

If you have information on the two most recent cases, you are asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to 50411.