It's a relatable problem: you're trying to do something important and you're interrupted by a dog wanting affection.
In the case of a recent bicycle theft, the important something was stealing a $1,300 bike out of a garage that was left open. The dog in question was the homeowner's Golden Retriever.
In a video caught on home security camera and released by the San Diego Police Department, the thief was seen starting to make off with the expensive bicycle, but was interrupted by the tail-wagging, happy-to-see-you, let's-be-friends Golden Retriever.
Instead of continuing to pedal off, the thief took a moment to play with the dog, petting it, rubbing its belly and telling it what a great dog it was.
The security camera caught them saying:
“You’re so cool. You’re the coolest dog I’ve ever known. Who’s your dad?. Your owner should not leave your garage open.”
After paying the metaphorical dog tax, the thief continued to steal the bike while the Golden Retriever looked on, tail wagging happily.
Which is why Golden Retrievers are trained as service dogs, not guard dogs.
People were highly amused.
@Kanjana.Zeleny/Facebook
They commented on what a good watch dog the dog made.
@Matt.Sklar/Facebook
@June.Journey/Facebook
@Sarah.Miller/Facebook
@Laura.Gillihan/Facebook
Others noted the thief seemed polite.
@Rida.Girmai/Facebook
Some shared personal stories of their own dogs encountering thieves.
@Matthew.Lawrence/Facebook
Mostly, people recognized a Golden Retriever's strengths and weaknesses as a breed.
@Sydney.Brubaker/Facebook
@Ja.Mie/Facebook
@Lawan.Narula/Facebook
@Tanggwa.TheSausageDog/Facebook
@PapdakisIoannis/Facebook
@ElleZa/Facebook
As of this writing, the dog-loving thief remains at large.
u/Duskymoonlight/Reddit
u/Duskymoonlight/Reddit