Burglars Caught on Video Stealing Pet Ashes from Veterinary Hospital — Staff Is Pleading for a Return of the Pets’ Remains  By Madison E. Goldberg

Burglars broke into a veterinary hospital in an attempt to breach the hospital’s cash register — and they ran off with a pet’s ashes.

Authorities in Brentwood, Calif., were called to the Central Boulevard Veterinary Hospital at approximately 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, according to the Brentwood Police Department.

“When officers arrived on scene they observed one of the glass doors to the business had been shattered,” the Brentwood Police Department wrote in a statement shared on social media. “Officers checked the business and did not locate any suspects inside.”

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Video surveillance footage from the vet hospital places the break-in at 6:00 a.m. on Dec. 6, Brentwood Police confirmed, adding that “two suspects broke the glass door to gain access to the business.”

“While in the business the suspects, both wearing masks attempted to gain access to the cash register but were unsuccessful,” police continued. “The suspects then took specially made bags containing urns with pet ashes. The two suspects then exited the business a few minutes later through the same broken glass door and left the area by unknown means.”

Central Boulevard Veterinary Hospital shared the video footage on social media and encouraged anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the pet’s ashes to contact them and the Brentwood Police immediately.

“Their actions will cause immeasurable pain to grieving families who have already suffered so much,” the hospital captioned the video. “These ashes hold deep emotional value, and we are desperate to get them back to the people who loved these pets.”

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“If anyone finds any pet ashes, urns, paw prints, or containers discarded anywhere in Brentwood or the surrounding areas, please contact us immediately. We are not concerned about anything else that was taken — we just want to return these pets to their homes. No family should have to experience this level of grief again,” the hospital added.

PEOPLE has reached out to the BPD and Central Boulevard Veterinary Hospital for comment.

Police have asked that anyone with information call the department at 925-809-7911.