Arrest made in San Diego bike theft that involved cuddly dog

San Diego authorities sniffed out this bicycle burglar.

The bike thief caught-on-camera last month petting a family’s golden retriever before he fled their home with a “distinct” two-wheeler was recently arrested, San Diego police said.

A 42-year-old unidentified man was nabbed in the theft of a $1,300 black Electra 3-speed bicycle from the garage of a home around 10:40 p.m. on July 15, according to authorities.

During his crime-in-progress, he was seen petting the homeowner’s dog in footage that went viral earlier this month.

“PAW-SITIVE NEWS, San Diego!” the city’s police department wrote in a Facebook post Sunday. “Thanks to an invaluable anonymous tip and the diligent work of Northern Division Investigations, a 42-year-old man from San Diego has been arrested in relation to the bicycle theft from the garage in [Pacific Beach] last month.”

The bike was returned to its owner and “much to the delight of Ace, a very good boy,” San Diego police said. “This success underscores the power of community collaboration.”

The man showed he wasn’t heartless, at least toward an innocent animal, when he began petting the family dog that walked into the garage just as he was about to take off with the bike, according to footage.

The burglar put the kickstand up on the bike, and began rubbing the pup’s belly and showering praise on the sweet canine.  

“You’re the coolest dog I’ve ever known,” he can be heard telling the pet. “I love you, too. You’re a sweetheart.”

The man then asked where the dog’s “dad” was, appearing to say the owner should not leave the garage open.

The dog licked the suspect’s face as the man again told the pet, “I love you, too.”

“How do you have all this stuff,” he asked rhetorically before taking off with the bike.

Authorities at the time said the bike had a “distinct” design that included “8-ball” caps on the tire valves, an “8-ball” logo on the frame and a rear wheel frame marked with a checkered black and white pattern.