Police in Las Vegas are searching for those responsible for the brazen theft of Mr. Deeds, a 700-pound stuffed dog serving as the beloved mascot for The Good Deed Project, a charity dedicated to helping struggling families in Las Vegas. The heist occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving the organization and the community stunned.

Mr. Deeds had been firmly strapped and bolted down in the charity’s parking lot, but surveillance footage captured a black SUV circling the building the day before, presumably scouting the scene. Mandy Telleria, executive director of The Good Deed Project, suspects the thieves used this time to tamper with the restraints. The following morning, around 4 a.m., the SUV returned with a trailer, and a group of individuals loaded Mr. Deeds onto it, covering the dog with a tarp before driving off. “I was in disbelief,” Telleria told Fox 5 Vegas. “How are you going to steal a 700-pound, 10-foot-tall dog?”

Community rallies to find Mr. Deeds

In a bid to retrieve the mascot, The Good Deed Project quickly launched a public appeal on its website. Four days later, they received a tip that Mr. Deeds was spotted at an AutoZone across town, along with the SUV and trailer. According to Javier Montano, Commercial Sales Manager at AutoZone, someone was asleep in the driver’s seat when he arrived for work.

The tipster who informed Telleria also alerted 8 News Now. When representatives from the charity arrived, they witnessed the driver attempting to unhook the trailer. However, a bystander managed to block the SUV from leaving. The driver then fled the scene, evading Las Vegas Metro police, who arrived shortly after.

Mascot still missing amid investigation

Although the trailer has been impounded, Mr. Deeds is still missing. Police have reportedly identified a suspect, but no arrests have been made. For the charity’s volunteers and staff, the loss goes beyond a stolen prop. “Mr. Deeds is more than a mascot,” Telleria told The Independent. “It’s like how a family views their pets. When people come here, the first thing they do is pet Mr. Deeds and take pictures. It’s a bright spot in our work, which can be emotionally taxing as we assist families facing severe challenges. It puts a smile on everyone’s face instantly.” Unfortunately, due to damage from the theft, Mr. Deeds won’t be immediately ready for his regular role at the charity. The mascot remains evidence in the police investigation, and repairs will take time and resources.

Setbacks for the good deed project

Just days after the mascot’s theft, thieves struck again, stealing the platform on which Mr. Deeds was mounted outside the charity. The loss not only delayed operations but also cost the organization a $110,000 grant. Telleria expressed hope to have Mr Deeds repaired and returned before the group’s holiday events and The Good Deed Project welcomes any donors willing to help with repairs. In a message to would-be pranksters, Telleria advised, “Think twice because you don’t really know how much it could affect somebody.”