Heartless thieves steal pup from outside Melbourne grocery store

Victoria Police are on the hunt for a group of heartless thieves who stole a pet dog from outside a grocery store in Preston, Melbourne last night.

Officers say a woman was shopping at a grocery store near the Preston Market about 5.30pm and her dog, Howie, was waiting outside for her.

While she was paying for her groceries she saw five males and a female take the Jack Russell x Chihuahua and run toward Preston Railway Station.

The woman frantically searched the area but could not find her dog.

Howie is white and gold with a large dot on the left side of his body and he is wearing a blue collar.

Police have released images of Howie in the hope someone may have seen him.