DILLON COUNTY -- Officials at the Dillon County Animal Shelter say in the past month and a half someone has stolen three dogs, including a pit bull.

Two of the dogs were taken about three weeks ago.

Then two weeks ago, shelter employees say someone left a gate open.

They think someone drove up to look at the pit bull and seized the opportunity to take it because no one was around.

When employees realized the dog was missing, they called the Dillon County Detention Center, which is across the street, to see if the jail's security cameras may have recorded the theft.

Unfortunately, the cameras weren't facing the shelter when the dog was taken.

Shelter employees say in each incident there was no break-in or forced entry.

They plan to install surveillance cameras to deter any more thefts.