The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) are warning dog owners that criminals are exploiting the huge increase in prices and demand for puppies amid the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions – and are urging them to keep alert after an incident where two dogs were taken from Kinver recently.
The charity DogLost has seen reports of thefts rise by 170% in the last year from 172 dogs in 2019 to 465 in 2020.
Staffordshire Police was alerted at 4.15pm on 3 February to an incident in Kinver where two dogs had been stolen.
A woman said she had been in her yard on Sugar Loaf Lane when she saw a black Ford Galaxy speed off in the direction of Stourbridge. When she checked, her two blonde female Westies had been stolen.
Luckily, thanks to calls from members of the public near to Redditch and in Cardiff, both dogs have safely been returned to their owner after one was found in the middle of the road and the other had unwittingly been purchased before seeing the owner’s pleas on social media.
There have also been recent reports of suspicious activity involving men driving a van and stopping to speak to dog walkers around Stoke-on-Trent and also in Audley.
NPCC lead for Acquisitive Crime, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, said: “Dog theft can be a devastating crime for families and causes considerable distress to owners. Whilst it is still a very rare crime, it’s sadly something we have seen increasing recently.
“During the Coronavirus pandemic criminals have adjusted their activities and are taking advantage of the big demand for pets over the lockdown period. The cost of a puppy has considerably increased over the past year making this a lucrative market for organised criminals to exploit.
“We rely on the public providing us with information and would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to their local officers. While these offences can be very difficult to investigate police understand how upsetting they are and will robustly follow any lines of inquiry.”
Deputy Chief Constable Blakeman also urged dog owners to be alert and do what they could to prevent any further instances.
“Dog owners can take reasonable security measures to prevent thefts like checking privacy settings on social media before sharing pictures of your pet online, as this can attract the attention of some criminals. The Blue Cross website has a wide range of advice on how to prevent theft of dogs and steps to take if this happens.”
That can be viewed at www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/protect-your-dog-against-theft?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8tbNx-_h7gIVTdPtCh0nagWxEAAYASAAEgJj0fD_BwE
“I also want to encourage those who are buying dogs to really consider where the pet has come from and ensure that it is being purchased legally,” Deputy Chief Constable Blakemen added. “Advice can be found online on the checks you should make before purchasing a new dog or puppy.”
Anyone who is suspicious of any activity they see or who is suspicious of any dogs they see for sale should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
