This is the moment a suspected bike thief took a break from a burglary to pet and cuddle the victim's golden retriever.

The unidentified male entered a garage at a residence in the Pacific Beach neighborhood in San Diego, in the US state of California, at around 10:40pm on July 15.

He reportedly intended to steal a distinctive 2019 black Electra 3-speed bicycle, valued at approximately USD 1,300 (GBP 1,020).

Notably, unique with '8-ball' caps on the tire valves, an '8-ball' logo on the frame, and a rear wheel frame marked with a checkered black and white pattern, the bike was recognizable.

The surveillance footage from the home shows the moment when the suspect prepared to exit with the stolen bike, and the household's friendly dog entered the garage, causing him to pause.

The footage captures the suspect pulling the bike back into the garage, engaging its kickstand, and interacting affectionately with the dog, offering pets and belly rubs.

The San Diego Police Department said: 'In a rather peculiar turn of events, as the suspect was about to make his escape, he paused to pet the household dog who had entered the garage.'