Dorset Police issue advice after increase in dog thefts
The force say to criminals, dogs are easy money
Dorset Police are being proactive in helping dog owners feel safe by issuing advice on how to keep your dog safe.
With a number of thefts stories circulating on social media, the force is encouraging owners to report the incidents or suspicious activity online.
It has led to growing concern among owners both locally and nationally.
THE NUMBER OF REPORTED THEFTS
Dog theft offences in Dorset fell between 2017 and 2019 from 35 to 22 and rose slightly to 26 cases in 2020.
While nationally dog theft cases increased by 170 per cent in 2020.
Between 1st January 2021 and 31st March 2021, there have been four confirmed dog thefts in the county.
Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said:
"We fully understand the emotional impact that this kind of crime has on dog owners and the wider community and we take such reports very seriously and investigate any legitimate lines of enquiry. Thankfully over the last couple of years we have been able to locate some stolen dogs as a result of our investigations and reunite them with their owners.
"To the criminals a dog is an opportunity for easy money, but to a family or to an older person feeling lonely or isolated a dog is a treasured companion or even a lifeline of support, and it is a source of huge pain if they are stolen.
"Dog theft remains relatively low in Dorset, but we are asking owners to do their bit to help protect their pets and prevent offences from occurring in the first place."
ADVICE ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR POOCH SAFE
The Force is urging owners to visit their vet, have their pet microchipped and ensure all contact details are kept up-to-date if you move home or change a phone number.
Microchipping is not only a legal requirement, but is essential in helping to return pets back to their rightful owners.
Other tips include:
- Do not leave your dog unattended if possible. Dogs can be easily stolen from back gardens, vehicles or from outside premises.
- Assess your home and garden boundaries - how easy is it to walk in or climb over your fence? Apart from the obvious fencing, where possible put up trellis on top or against wooden fencing, to make it harder to climb over.
- Gates and entrances need to be locked, and ideally any kennels or pens should not be visible from the street.
- All dogs should wear a collar with identification when in public. Don't put your dog's name on the tag, just a surname and contact number.
- If your dog is neutered, it will reduce the chances of the dog being stolen for breeding.
- Change the times and location of where you walk and make sure that your dog is not out of sight.
- Make sure any kennels or outhouses that dogs are kept in are as secure as possible by fitting a good quality padlock with security lighting, alarms and CCTV.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS BEEN STOLEN
It's important to establish if your dog has been stolen or is lost. If your dog has gone missing from your garden, please check with your neighbours and ask them to check their gardens and garages.
If you still cannot find your dog, check with the local dog warden, tell the microchip company your dog is missing and call local vets and rescue centres.
In the unlikely event that your dog has been stolen, and someone is physically taking your dog from you, shout that your dog is being stolen to attract attention. If you can, take photos or videos and report it to the police by calling 999.
If there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact details and report your missing dog to the microchip company straight away.
More information about dog safety can be found here.