Surrey Police urge vigilance over growing risk of dog thefts

Surrey Police have warned about the risk of criminals targeting pets as demand for them has increased during lockdown.

It follows concerns circulating on social media around dog thefts in the county, including rumours about people trying to lure or entice them away whilst on walks with their owners.

Officers say they have not received any direct reports of this but have asked anyone who has witnessed or experienced it to report it to them.

However, they added people should not rule out the possibility that someone may just want to say hello to your dog, and not mean you or them any harm.

Issuing advice to all pet owners, the force recognised the growing risk particularly as “demand for puppies is so high that prices have also increased, and sadly this means that criminals are stealing dogs to breed from or sell on for a profit”.

Surrey Police advice on keeping pets safe

• Ensure your pet is microchipped and registered with up to date information.

• Invest in a collar and name tag, and use your surname rather than your pet’s name on name tags. Make sure to include your telephone number so you can be easily contacted if your pet is found.

• Take plenty of clear photos of your pet (not hard for most animal lovers!). Remember to include any distinctive markings that could identify your pet.

• Don’t leave your dog unattended in the garden, the car or outside shops if at all possible.

• Pay attention to your surroundings and know where your dog is at all times when out walking. Be mindful of anyone trying to distract you or draw your dog’s attention away from you. If you feel that someone is following or watching you and your dog in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, call police.

• We know that some dogs may live in kennels outside. Please ensure you make it as hard as possible for some to break in. Use multiple locks and have CCTV cameras covering the kennel as a deterrent.

• Ensure all gates are locked at top and bottom with a shoot bolt and padlock.

• Ensure gardens and yards are secure so that no one can gain entry or pull your dog out. Make sure fences and hedges are secure, with no gaps that a dog can squeeze through.

• Consider driveway alarms and CCTV – these can act as a visual as well as a physical deterrent.

If your dog is stolen, call police and notify your microchip database provider immediately and advise dog lost.

If you have any information about dog thefts or illegal puppy farms call offices on 101.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable talking to police, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers instead on 0800 555 111.