Dog thefts in Gloucestershire rise by 20% in past two years
Gloucestershire Police have issued advice on how to keep their pets safe
The number of dog thefts in Gloucestershire has risen by 20 percent in the past two years.
Through a Freedom of information request to Gloucestershire Constabulary, 22 crimes of this nature were recorded in 2019/20, and 27 were recorded in 2020/21.
In 2020/21, only one person was charged or summoned in relation to stealing a dog.
Lockdown is being blamed for a nationwide spike in demand for puppies and how much they are worth.
Martin Surl, Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
"The police are improving their identification process where a dog has been stolen for a criminal purpose.
"We need to refer to pets as sentient beings rather than property and we then need to make sure we can identify that animal properly so if it has been stolen they know where it's come from.
"There needs to be identity documents so that when police come across a dog the person who's possession it's in can prove it's their dog, when they bought it and for how much".
Gloucestershire Police have now issued advice to pet owners on how to keep their pets safe and secure following the rise in dog thefts in the county.
Detective Superintendent Steve Bean said:
"Dogs and puppies have become an increasingly valuable commodity and are very attractive to criminals across the country since the start of the pandemic.
"Dog owners have been great at reporting suspicious activity to us and in the vast majority of cases are taking appropriate actions to protect their dogs from potential thieves.
"But we would ask owners not to become complacent – half of the dog thefts reported last year were from residential gardens so home security is vital, as well as making sure your dog is micro chipped and that you’re keeping up-to-date photos.
Top tips to keep you pet safe
- Make sure you have your dog's microchip details readily available.
- Take an up-to-date photograph of your dog making sure to include any unique markings or features and keep it safe. Update it often as the puppy grows. If your dog is stolen the police will find this really useful.
- You should have your contact details attached to the dogs collar.
- When arriving at the vets check for vehicles in the car park or nearby where the occupants appear to be looking at visitors to the vets. Bring this to the attention of the staff and remember registration numbers if possible.
- Always control your pet when leaving and be aware of your surroundings on your journey home.
- When you get home make sure your dog is safe and if left on their own in a garden make sure they cannot escape and a thief cannot walk in to take the dog.
- Take precautions when out walking, have your mobile phone handy, don't let your dog stray too far away and call it back if you see people acting suspiciously or if they ask a lot of questions about your dog.
- Don’t leave them alone tied up outside shops.
- Should the worst happen and your dog is stolen, report it straight away. Social media is useful to spread information quickly and may help quick recovery of the dog.
- Have you been a victim of dog theft? If so we'd like to hear your story. Get in touch with Greatest Hits Radio Gloucestershire at swnews@bauermedia.co.uk
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