A family pet is in the doghouse after he let a thief steal his owner’s birthday gifts while he slept on the sofa.
Staffordshire bull terrier Rocco was completely unaware of the intruder in the family home when it was raided.
And owner Kerry Brotherton, 37, laughed off the poor attempt from nine-year-old Rocco at fending off the robber last Thursday.
Her husband John, 35, managed to halt the thief in their tracks as they attempted to flee the home in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.
Along with their 18-year-old son Kyle, a medal-winning wheelchair athlete, the pair confronted the thief.
Unfortunately, the thief managed to run off with jewellery which had been a gift for Kerry for her recent birthday and some of Kyle’s medals.
Kerry said: “I can’t believe it Rocco was sleeping. Even the police were having a wee laugh. He is not the best guard dog. He is a big gentle lump.
“I was on my way to work and I passed the guy in the lane. I couldn’t believe it when John phoned to tell me.
“At first John and Kyle weren’t sure what was going on. They heard the door. John came downstairs and basically said ‘what are you doing in my house?’
“He then chased the guy outside. It is terrible to think that someone would come in your house when there were people in.
“All I care about is that Kyle was ok and everyone was safe.”
The family discovered the jewellery was gone and an iPad and Kyle fears he may have had medals stolen.
Greenock Sergeant Kayley Teasdale is appealing for any witnesses to the break-in to come forward with information.
She added: “I am appealing for people to be on their guard and make sure their property is secure.”
