A crook strolled into a busy West Village pet store and stole a pricey Pomeranian puppy on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
The puppy pilferer took the pooch, priced at $3,495, from CITIPUPS on Christopher Street at about 3:45 p.m. as at least eight other people were inside the store, according to cops.
Video of the theft provided by police showed the man initially playful interacted with the puppy that was secured inside an enclosed display.
He then walked into the back and snatched the puppy from an area restricted to customers, police said.
Security footage captured the man, with a smile on his face, walking toward the store’s exit while carrying the Pomeranian under his right arm.