Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter is urging residents to keep a close eye on their small dogs following an alleged theft.

Bridgeport School Board member Christine Perez says she is working to build awareness about what she says is a growing problem of pet thieves stealing small dogs to resell in New York – where they often get $1,500 or more per animal.

She says her daughter’s 2-year-old Maltese mix was stolen from their front yard.

Police say residents should not leave pets unattended while outside. They say to get pets microchipped and consider buying GPS tracking devices.