by DAVID HAMILTON

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Natchez police are requesting the public’s help solving the theft of 11 pit bull terriers reportedly stolen within a two-day span.

Police reported that officers responded Thursday at approximately 8:30 p.m. to a call from Clarence Hardin, who told the officers his 3-month-old pit bull puppy — black with a white chest — had been stolen while Hardin was away from South Concord Street residence.

The following morning, Hardin reportedly awoke to find nine more of his pit bulls missing — four puppies and five fully grown. Hardin told police he had received a text message in the middle of the night from his neighbor saying voices were coming from Hardin’s backyard, but Hardin was asleep when the message was sent.

Police also reported a separate incident involving a pit bull terrier allegedly being stolen. Officers responded to a call from resident Antoinette Irvin after she reported that her pit bull, which had been chained in her yard on First Street, was stolen some time between 10 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday.

Police are currently investigating and request that anyone with information that could aid the investigation contact the Natchez Police Department at 911.