By Emma Randle
The loss of a little pet dog after its owners’ house was broken into spurred Mojacar residents into sending out search parties last weekend amid complaints of burglaries in the area spiralling “out of control”.
Maltese terrier Alea was nowhere to be seen when the Mendes family returned to their home near Mojacar Parador around 9pm last Saturday to find the doors wide open and the house ransacked.
They had left the house less than two hours before to watch their little girl perform in a dance show.
Only a couple of pieces of jewellery were taken, despite the contents of drawers and cupboards being pulled out, according to Denis Mendes, who said: “They must have been looking for cash and small valuables as they left the laptop and other items.”
But the worst shock for the family was that Alea was nowhere to be found, despite an extensive search.
Mr Mendes put a picture of the dog on Mojacar Forum Facebook page, explaining what had happened, and immediately received an “overwhelming response” with offers of help and sympathy.
Forum leader Brad Swift organised a search party for the dog on Sunday morning, while many other members carried out separate searches.
