Heartless dognappers steal Labradoodles from SoCal woman's car

Surveillance video captures the brazen theft of Coco Chanel and Taco from Esma Bohannon's vehicle in Encinitas.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:36am

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A Southern California woman is devastated after two of her beloved Labradoodle dogs, Coco Chanel and Taco, were stolen from her parked car in broad daylight. Surveillance footage captured the chilling scene of two unidentified women pulling the dogs from Bohannon's unlocked vehicle and driving off with them.

Why it matters

Pet thefts have been on the rise in recent years, with criminals often targeting popular and expensive breeds like Labradoodles. This incident highlights the trauma and heartbreak pet owners can face when their beloved companions are stolen, and the challenges in recovering stolen animals.

The details

Esma Bohannon left her 7-year-old Labradoodle Coco Chanel and 3-year-old Labradoodle Taco inside her parked car in Encinitas with the windows rolled down and a water bowl, while she ran some quick errands. Surveillance video shows a vehicle pull up next to Bohannon's car, and two women get out and take the dogs, loading them into their own vehicle and driving off. Bohannon was devastated when she returned to her car and found her pets missing.

  • Last month, the incident occurred in Encinitas, California.

The players

Esma Bohannon

The owner of the stolen Labradoodle dogs, Coco Chanel and Taco.

Coco Chanel

Bohannon's 7-year-old Labradoodle dog that was stolen from her car.

Taco

Bohannon's 3-year-old Labradoodle dog that was stolen from her car.

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What they’re saying

“It was just not real to me. I looked inside and I was in shock… I was terrified.”

— Esma Bohannon

“I just can't even describe how that feels that someone is taking away your loved ones.”

— Esma Bohannon

What’s next

Bohannon has filed a report with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and is pleading for anyone with information about the stolen dogs to come forward.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks pet owners face, and the need for greater awareness and preventative measures to protect beloved animal companions from being stolen. It also highlights the trauma and anguish experienced by victims of pet theft.