A golden retriever investigated the belongings on its new neighbour's porch before escaping with a stolen boot that was left outside a home in California.

When the unusual burglar stole from the porch on Wednesday (March 13) it took some investigating from the boot owner as to who owned the dog.

She discovered the dog, named Finnie, belonged to the neighbours who had just moved into their new California home.

The dog's owner wore a similar boot a month ago, which brings the home owner suspects: "Finnie was being a good pupper and retrieving it for her."

After pets and belly rubs, Finnie eventually gave the boot back.