Cat stolen from couple's driveway found whimpering two miles away

A couple have been reunited with their cat which was found whimpering in a garden two-and-a-half miles away after being taken from their driveway five days prior.

Anabela Cunha and her husband Joseph were left horrified after seeing the man walking away with their cat Simba screaming in agony and distress.

The ginger and white cat, six, was stolen from outside their home in Mitcham, south London, last Thursday and the couple quickly alerted the police.

Footage shows the thief picking up Simba, a former stray, while trying to restrain him by putting the cat between his legs. 

But yesterday the cat he was found in a garden two-and-a-half miles away after the homeowner heard him whimpering and brought him in.

Anabela, 53 and Joseph, 60, rushed to Streatham, around 15 minutes away from their home, to pick him up.

She said: 'We found him in Streatham in a lovely couples home. They heard him crying in their garden and let him in, and called us.

'I'm overwhelmed with the community and all the friends that try to help in so many ways. God bless you all.

'And a very special thank you to an amazing lady, who went far and beyond to find him.

'Thank you all from the bottom of my hear.'

Friends of the couple have reacted with happiness as Lucinda Bigwood said 'still crying with happiness for you' while Micaela Martins added 'so glad he's safe'.

Another, named Sarah, said: 'So lovely to hear.'

The couple had put up a £1,000 reward for Simba's safe return. They have had the former stray for five years.

A Met Police spokesperson said on Monday: 'On Thursday, November 7 officers received a report that a ginger and white cat had been stolen from Maple Close, Mitcham.

'No arrests have been made.'

The force has been approached for an update.