ENCINITAS, Calif. — A Southern California woman is grappling with profound loss after two of her cherished Labradoodles were stolen from her parked car in broad daylight, an incident captured on chilling surveillance video that has left her devastated and searching for answers.
Esma Bohannon, a resident of Encinitas, experienced what she described as every pet owner's nightmare last month when she briefly left her 7-year-old dog Coco Chanel and 3-year-old Taco inside her vehicle while running errands. According to Bohannon, she had rolled down the windows and provided a large bowl of water to keep the dogs comfortable in the warm weather, a precaution against overheating on that spring day in late March 2026.
The theft unfolded quickly, as two unidentified women approached the car, reached inside, and pulled the dogs out before loading them into their own vehicle and driving away. Surveillance footage from a nearby business recorded the entire sequence, showing the women acting with apparent deliberation in the parking lot of a local shopping area in Encinitas, a coastal community in San Diego County known for its family-friendly vibe and outdoor lifestyle.
Bohannon returned to find her car empty and her dogs gone, a discovery that sent her into immediate shock. "It was just not real to me. I looked inside and I was in shock… I was terrified," she told ABC 10 News in an emotional interview. The video, which she has reviewed repeatedly, has only deepened her anguish, as it offers a stark visual of the moment her pets were taken.
"I just can’t even describe how that feels that someone is taking away your loved ones," Bohannon added, her voice breaking as she recounted the heartbreak of losing the dogs she considers family members. Coco Chanel, the older of the pair, and Taco, the younger and more playful one, were both wearing identification tags with Bohannon's phone number, yet no one has contacted her with information about their whereabouts.
Authorities have confirmed that Bohannon filed a report with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office shortly after discovering the theft. Deputies reviewed the surveillance video and are investigating the incident as a possible petnapping, though no arrests have been made as of early April 2026. The sheriff's office has not released additional details about the suspects, describing them only as two women whose vehicle was partially captured on camera.
In the days following the incident, Bohannon checked local animal shelters and humane societies across San Diego County, hoping the dogs might have been turned in. According to shelter officials, neither Coco Chanel nor Taco has appeared at any facility, leaving Bohannon to wonder about the fate of her pets. "Hopefully it really was a situation where somebody thought, ‘I will help her out,’" she said, speculating that the heat might have prompted the women to believe they were rescuing the animals from distress.
That theory, however, provides little solace amid the uncertainty. Pet thefts, while not uncommon in urban and suburban areas like Encinitas, often stem from a variety of motives, including resale on the black market or personal adoption without permission. Labradoodles, a popular hybrid breed known for their friendly dispositions and hypoallergenic coats, can fetch high prices from breeders and families, potentially making them targets for thieves.
Local animal welfare experts note that such incidents spike during warmer months, when owners leave pets in vehicles. The American Kennel Club, which tracks pet-related crimes, reported a 20 percent increase in dog thefts nationwide in 2025, with Southern California emerging as a hotspot due to its dense population and high demand for designer breeds. "Leaving pets in cars, even with precautions, carries risks," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a veterinarian in nearby Carlsbad, in a statement to local media. "Windows down and water help, but they're no guarantee against opportunistic theft."
Bohannon's story echoes other recent cases in the region. Just two weeks prior, in neighboring Orange County, a similar dognapping involved a French Bulldog taken from a backyard, with owners relying on social media pleas for its return. In that instance, the dog was recovered after a tip led police to a nearby flea market where it was being sold. Such recoveries are heartening but rare, according to the San Diego Humane Society, which handles dozens of lost pet reports monthly.
Community response to Bohannon's plight has been swift and supportive. Neighbors in Encinitas have shared the surveillance video on social media platforms, including Facebook and Nextdoor, urging residents to keep an eye out for the distinctive Labradoodles—Coco Chanel with her curly cream-colored coat and Taco with his energetic black-and-white markings. "We've got to look out for each other here," said local resident Maria Gonzalez, who organized a small vigil outside the shopping center where the theft occurred. "These dogs are like kids to their owners."
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office has appealed for public assistance, releasing a portion of the video to news outlets in hopes of identifying the suspects. "Anyone with information is urged to contact our non-emergency line," said Sheriff's Deputy Mark Thompson in a press release. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and a reward of $500 has been offered by a local pet advocacy group for information leading to the dogs' safe return.
As the investigation continues, Bohannon remains resolute in her plea for help. "I just really would like to have two dogs back, and that’s all that I want," she said, her words underscoring the simple yet profound desire driving her efforts. Friends and family have rallied around her, distributing flyers throughout Encinitas and beyond, while Bohannon has taken to walking the same streets daily, calling out for her missing companions.
This incident highlights broader concerns about pet safety in an era of rising thefts and urban sprawl. In California, where pet ownership rates exceed 60 percent of households according to a 2025 state survey, incidents like this resonate deeply, prompting discussions on prevention measures such as GPS trackers and community watch programs. Animal rights organizations, including the ASPCA, recommend never leaving pets unattended in vehicles and using microchipping for added security.
While Bohannon holds onto hope that Coco Chanel and Taco are safe, the lack of leads after more than two weeks has tested her resolve. The surveillance video, now circulating widely, serves as both a haunting reminder and a potential breakthrough. As Encinitas residents unite in the search, the community awaits news that could turn heartbreak into reunion, a story that underscores the unbreakable bond between humans and their animal companions.
Updates on the case can be followed through the San Diego County Sheriff's Office or local news channels. Bohannon encourages anyone spotting the dogs to call her directly at the number on their tags or contact authorities immediately.