BURGLARS have left victim Mohammed Chughtai reeling following two break-ins in two months.

The 28-year-old mature student lost a family heirloom in the first raid on his home then burglars returned to steal his pet puppy.

"It's awful, devastating. I am dreadfully upset,'' said unemployed Mohammed.

He had rescued a litter of puppies and brought them up on baby milk before spending five weeks finding all but one a good home.

The one that did not go to another address was a six-week-old dog pup he decided to keep for himself.

He was still debating what to name the puppy when it was stolen.

Mohammed was at a hospital where he is being treated for a back injury following a fall when the latest break-in took place at his home in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough.

"If you saw my home you would see I have nothing to take. They have stolen from someone who has nothing," said Mohammed, who had his mobile telephone and a body warmer stolen.

The heirloom which went was a necklace which had belonged to his grandmother and was left to him when his father died.

"It's like everything they want to take has to be something precious to me,'' said Mohammed.

The black and white Staffordshire bull terrier puppy which disappeared had white paws, a white tip on its tail and a white patch on its left shoulder.

Anyone with information on the break-ins or the wherabouts of the pup is asked to call Cleveland Police, on (01642) 303126.