"Treat your dog like your child" says Suffolk Police
A national survey found 22% of people know someone whose dog has been stolen in the last year
Last updated 20th Mar 2021
Suffolk Police is encouraging people not to be careless with their animals.
Apart from a "significant" spike in dog thefts reported last year, the force says this year there hasn't been "anything major".
It thinks social media has caused more anxiety about incidents recently which the force thinks can cause unnecessary concern, but praised people for being vigilant.
As more people prepare to return to work in the coming weeks as lockdown eases, leaving their dogs unattended at home, Sergeant Brian Calver thinks there shouldn't be any issues providing they are not careless.
He said: "The biggest piece of advice I can give is do not leave your dog out in the garden alone, I appreciate some people have them in kennels outside, if it's feasible bring them inside for the day.
"I appreciate dog day care or getting someone to come in and walk them during the day is an expense some people can't afford. If you can't, perhaps speak to a trusted neighbour or friend who can come round and let your dog out to answer the call of nature in the garden, or take it for a short walk up the road to break the day up.
"The last thing I want to condone is leaving dogs indoors all day, but that is the safest place for them."
A dog theft survey carried out by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners found, out of 124,729 responses nationally, 27,505 people know someone whose dog has been stolen in the last year.
The survey also found 65.78% and 62.39% of dog owners were now more fearful of walking their dog during the day and night respectively.
Brian continued: "Treat your dog like your child. Yes, in law, they are property, however they are more than property they are family members. We still see dogs left out in gardens, we see them left outside shops tied up.
"It only takes a second to take your dog."
Sgt Calver is advising people to take detailed photographs of their pets, particularly if they have distinct features, to be able to identify them if they are ever stolen and their microchip is removed.