Fake animal control officers snatching dogs in southern Illinois

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Posted: Mar 13, 2017 8:49 PM EDT | Updated: Mar 13, 2017 8:52 PM EDT

Matt Sczesny

Southern Illinois -- A pair of men riding in a pick up truck disguised as an animal control truck are stealing dogs in at least three Southern Illinois counties.

The snatchings have occurred in Perry, Randolph and Washington Counties, according to Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis.

"They've been taken out of fenced areas," Sheriff Bareis says. "They're basically patrolling during the day for them and they seem to be coming back at night."

Sheriff Bareis says the men are in a white pick up truck with the words, "Animal Control" along the side.

Three dogs have been taken in Perry County, and the sheriff says at least twice, dog owners have scared off the thieves.

Bareis says the men are targeting pure bred dogs and are likely selling them for quick cash.

KMOV