12/11/06:  Dog-napping's in Keller, TX:

Keller police are warning residents to be on guard after reports of dog-nappers. Police said the crooks are carrying off canines and then waiting for reward signs to be posted. They then call to claim their cash, extorting money from the desperate dog owners.

"It's something that I feel like we shouldn't have to lock up, you know it?s on our property, it?s our animals and it's a costly item," Craig Ward said.

If the dog's value is more than $1,500, the dog-nappers will face felony charges.

Source:  MSNBC and KXAS-TV