The search is heating up for a Newark dog stolen from its own front yard.

Surveillance video released by Newark police shows a woman that police have identified as 44-year-old Hymifah Richardson crouch down and scoop up the 5-month-old Shih Tzu poodle named Riley Saint Wuppy from her Norfolk Street home Saturday afternoon.

Police have a warrant for Richardson’s arrest on burglary, theft and harassment charges.

Owner Sylvia Thomas and her family haven’t seen Wuppy since Saturday - but Thomas says the alleged thief reached out to her, and is holding the dog for ransom.

“She argues with me about what I’m doing to her character by trying to find my lost dog,” Thomas said. “I don’t know any other way to look for a dog that I know is in possession of another human being. She then texts me and says, ‘Oh, by the way, you’re not getting your dog back.’”

Newark police are offering a reward for anyone who knows where Richardson may be. Thomas says it’s all about reuniting her family.

“I have no animosity toward the individual even at this moment,” Thomas said. “In truth, my entire goal is only to get my pet back. I’m sure she’s a bit anxious about being in a new place. Just waiting and hoping and praying is all I have at this point.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Newark Police Department at 973-733-6000.