Nearly a dozen dogs stolen from local shelter.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “It’s concerning to us that it’s happened so close together, one is bad enough but two,” says Columbia Police spokesperson, Jennifer Timmons. Columbia Police are searching for those resonsible for stealing eleven pit bulls from the City of Columbia’s animal shelter. “We are very worried about the safety and well being of these animals, these pit bulls,” says Timmons. Police say between January 29, 2012 and January 30, 2012, someone broke into the facility and attempted to steal eight pit bulls but were only successful in taking five. According to incident reports obtained by ABC Columbia news, when workers arrived at the shelter that Monday they found three pit bulls outside in the barnyard area where they should not have been. The report goes on to say that police found a total of eight cages that had been broken into, five of the dogs were gone. Police say shelter employees began working with them after the incident to make sure it did not happen again. “The area was locked, they had locks on them, fences closed, cages secure,” says Timmons. However, the very next weekend the thieves hit again. Crandall Sims reporting, “Police say the second time the thieves came here to the animal shelter, they stole nearly half a dozen dogs, one of whom is pregnant.” “She could give birth soon and we want proper care for the puppies as well,” says Timmons. The incident report also state that an employee at the shelter had recently removed a person who was doing court ordered community service because the person was taking cell phone pictures of the pit bulls. The report also states that in the week prior several suspicious people were seen outside property fences at closing time. Still, police say they do not have any suspects or a motive. “There’s not way to know for sure why these dogs were stolen that’s something that’s of great concern to us,” says Timmons. However, investigators are taking everything into consideration. If you have any information about the pit bull thefts you are asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-Crime SC.