Nice dog. Bit irresponsible leaving the keys in the ignition though if you ask me.

Matt, Chesterfield,

Great story, but how do they know the sequence of events this precisely? I admit, it's a safe assumption that he got scared by the dog, but this is reported as fact. Did a witness see it happen like this? Or did Diesel tell the police what occurred? ;-)

Calluna, London,

When I was just a lad, a neighbor and classmate had the "wimpiest" dog I'd ever met....a rotweiller named 'Vicious.' My mate had a keen sense of humor...either that, or a poorly developed ability at prophecy. But, I do know first hand how the timely appearance of a dog can radically alter a ne'er-do-well's plans.

Diesel, good on you, lad! But, remind mommy to pocket the keys when she's collecting the human puppies....

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine

Andrew Milner's comments don't seem to tie in with the story. He is obviously a man who enjoys finding things to be angry about. And he's commenting on the 'failed' British police force from the comfort of Yokohama in Japan! Perhaps the Daily Mail website would be a more appropriate place to air such grievances?

Andy White, London,

Just to point out to Andrew Milner that the Met (huge as it is) has no jurisdiction in Brixham- much as they would like to.

For the record- and to clarify readers outside of UK – this terrible crime (not totally consumed, as the thief ran away after all) would have fallen under the auspices of Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.

It is the only Police authority in UK ( maybe / world) where the public can watch `a Police Authority Meeting` live as it happens.
But, not wanting to impose, they have made the web-cast available 24 a day to be viewed at `your leisure` - check the page, if this seems far fetched to you.

Check it out
http://www.dcpa.police.uk/

A Police force that not Only has a Gender Equality Scheme – Oh No- they also have an Appendix on Gender Equality Action Plan ( beat that FBI) ands so many other things…they have so much to do!

This Police force has nothing to HIDE. The page is extremely popular and is viewed by Police officers from France, Germany, Italy and Spain and due to huge demand has been translated into Portuguese and Russian versions.

Then fearing that many Asian police forces would be missing out not being able to read in their mother tongue the `daily exploits of Devon and Cornwall Policemen` URGENT Steps were taken to rectify this.

As a result (am so pleased to say) the site is available in Chinese, Korean and Japanese Languages. Bottom left 9 languages + English. I aint kidding ya folks.

D &C police force is the only one that doesn’t need authorisation from 3 different instances (like the Met Officers) to use their weapons. They can just warn once, shoot in the air as a second warning and then go for an instant hit.

Its not for nothing that Devon and Cornwall has the lowest crime rate in UK. Many of their criminals have left the area-s, as the Police operate a zero tolerance policy. The bravest of UK villains wouldn’t risk of going to Devon even on holidays.

Its not for nothing, that in UK they are known as the Fearless Devon Ninjas.

I would bet my last Euro (if the bet was in a EU country) that the opportunist thief was from outside of DEVON.

From G.Book of Records, in Devon the last car stolen was recorded in 1963.
Please don’t blame the Met for that too.

Arben Hyseni, london, uk

Ha. =) I have a great dane myself, big black boy who weighs 'round the same amount (160-150 pounds over here in the US). People RUN away from them, and of course, he gives chase because he wants to play.

Gorgeous and a fantastic dog. =)

Lilu, Fayetteville, USA, NC

That story gave me a chuckle,
I used to have Toyota van and my English Bull Terrier used to sleep on the passenger seat, a vicious LOOKING beast but soft as they come, when leaving the van unattended I used to stick a sign in the window.
"Keys under the dog"

Alan Cowe, Bixter, Shetland

its a shame to think that if the poor dog had bitten that fool, it would have been put to sleep! i think criminal law needs to be more flexible!

jim, bournemouth,

great dane or alsatian cross - which is it?

Eddie Chapman, Bournemouth, UK

Just as well little Diesel didn't tear that tea-leaf limb from limb as he richly deserved, or doubtless the police (aka useless MET) would have charged the owner with something, probably manslaughter. When you can't catch the criminals, make criminals of those you can catch.
Think, "failed police force" is the term I'm reaching for.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

The thief probably abandoned the car because he realised that the resale value of it had just plumetted. Cars with that 'doggy smell' just make me want to puke.

Peter Sandrahatty, Torquay,