Chief Randy Scott encourages citizens to call Crimestoppers if they have information regarding two separate theft incidents involving pit bulls at the City of Columbia Animal Shelter.

The first theft occurred at 127 Humane Lane between Sunday, January 29, 2012, and Monday, January 30, 2012.

A worker arrived at the shelter and noticed several pit bulls were missing from their kennels. It is believed the suspect or suspects attempted to steal at least eight pit bulls but were successful in stealing five.

Additionally, a similar theft occurred between Sunday, February 5, 2012 and Monday, February 06, 2012.

In this incident, a worker arrived at the shelter and noticed several dogs were missing from their kennels. A total of six pit bulls were stolen, including a pregnant one.

The Columbia Police Department is currently working with Animal Shelter employees on proactive ways to ensure the safety of the current animals that are housed at the facility.

Chief Scott encourages citizens with information about these incidents to call, text, or submit online their anonymous tip to Crimestoppers in any of the following ways:

CALL toll-free, 888- CRIME-SC.

TEXT to CRIMES ( 274637), and mark the beginning of the message with "TIPSC,” followed by the tip information.

LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red "Submit a tip” tab.

Tipsters could earn a cash reward of up to $ 1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.