In two separate robberies yesterday, suspects used dogs to intimidate or injure victims, according to police.

In the first incident, which took place near the corner of 26th Street and South Van Ness around 12:25 p.m., a suspect in his early thirties, and another man between 35 and 40 years old with a dog, approached a 33-year-old man.

While the older suspect restrained the dog — described as a pit bull terrier — the younger man initiated an argument with the victim, stole his backpack, and struck him. After the victim fell to the ground, the second suspect released the dog, who then bit the victim.

Both suspects fled the area with the dog and the victim's backpack. No arrests were made in the case, and the victim is recovering from non-life-threatening wounds.

In the second robbery, which occurred near Larkin and Hemlock Streets at 6:45 p.m., a male suspect in his thirties used his dog to knock a 22-year-old man off his scooter, causing injury.

The suspect fled the scene with his dog while riding the scooter and was not arrested, and the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

According to Officer Robert Rueca of SFPD's Media Relations Unit, the original police report didn't specify whether the scooter was electric or self-powered. The dog, which was collared and leashed, is described as a medium-sized, mixed breed with brown and black coloring.

Anyone who has information about either of these incidents is encouraged to contact SFPD via the department's anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444, or text TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message.

Here’s why we usually don’t include suspect descriptions in crime reports.