Little Yorkie Stolen in Playa del Rey-Area Burglary

Burglars who raided a one-bedroom apartment at the Playa del Oro apartment complex made off with a 50-inch plasma television, three iPods, a Mac computer, jewelry, an Xbox console and video games.

They also stole Marley, a 3-year-old beloved Yorkshire terrier who belongs to Kelli Dalpes, 26, and her boyfriend.

"She's like our child and we're offering a $5,000 reward for her return," Dalpes said. "She's too small to be bred and we're offering more than if you tried to sell her."

The burglary occurred Aug. 19 in the afternoon at the apartment complex on the border of Playa del Rey and Westchester when someone broke open the apartment door possibly with a crowbar, Dalpes said.

Marley has been with the couple since they bought her as a puppy in China where they lived for a few years. The three-pound Yorkie had a collar with her name and phone number on it, but no one has called to return her.

A manager at the Playa del Oro apartment has not returned a phone call seeking comment. The Los Angeles Police Department's senior lead officer for the area also has not returned a call.

The American Kennel Club has reported an increase in pet thefts this year compared with last year with 224 pets reported stolen in a seven-month period compared to 150 in 2010.

“We are getting reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park,” AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson said in a statement. “Fortunately, we have also seen recoveries of stolen pets because of their microchips which permanently identify them with their owners. A simple scan at the shelter or vet’s office and the true identity of the real owner can be found by calling the pet recovery service.”

People steal pets to resell on the Internet or at roadside sales or to hold for ransom, while others snatch them as gifts for themselves or for others without having to pay a purchase price or adoption fee. There's also been a new trend of dogs being stolen from shelters and adoption events, Peterson said.

Dalpes said Marley is in good health and has a mole you can feel under her chin and a brown discoloration between her nostrils that "looks like the black has been worn off." Marley also has light hair on her chin with black fur on each side under her mouth.

"We just want her back," Dalpes said.

Anyone with information on Marley should get in contact with Dalpes at kdalpes.pga@gmail.com.