A New York City bodega owner is hoping to be reunited with his store's beloved kitten, Jabal, after a couple was caught on surveillance video taking the three-month-old cat in plain sight. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in Brooklyn when Jabal wandered outside the Eighth Street Mini Market, where he had lived since being adopted by the store’s owner, Imad "Jimmy" Innab. Surveillance footage showed a man walking with a woman passing the store and picking up Jabal. A neighbor and regular customer, Dan Janzen, said someone quickly approached the couple and told them the kitten belonged to the bodega, but they ignored the warning, placed Jabal in a bag, and left. In response, Innab and his family offered a $500 reward for Jabal's safe return, which was posted on a notice in the neighborhood. Local media, including the New York Post and a CBS affiliate, covered the story, and the community rallied to help. Supporters of the bodega searched the streets of Park Slope for Jabal, while a neighborhood forum on Reddit became a hub for updates and offers of assistance. Threads titled "Anyone Know These Two?" and "Stolen Bodega Cat?!?" received significant attention, with many residents expressing willingness to help reunite the cat with his family. By Monday, there was hope that the search efforts had yielded results. Janzen reported receiving a call from someone claiming to know where Jabal was and said the cat would be returned from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick later that day. However, as the bodega closed on Monday night, Jabal had not yet returned. Employees said they had contacted the New York Police Department throughout the day and believed officers would bring the kitten back. Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The emotional impact of Jabal's disappearance was heightened for Innab, who had taken in the kitten to replace Victoria, the previous bodega cat who had lived at the store for 17 years before passing away in June. Bodega cats are a cherished part of New York City's culture, often serving as mascots for the stores and helping to keep pests at bay. They are frequently featured in social media posts, including those from the popular Instagram account @bodegacatsofnewyork. Janzen said Innab remained determined to get Jabal back, refusing to consider the possibility of losing him. "I have a feeling he’s coming back," Innab had said. The strong support from the Park Slope community, where the bodega has stood for 39 years, meant a great deal to him. "The people are very beautiful – very good – here," Innab said, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped in the search.