Over the last 12 months, dog thefts have been on the increase. Due to lockdown restrictions, demand for puppies has soared and with breeders not being able to breed their dogs at times, the price of puppies has gone through the roof. For this reason, dog thefts have also risen to worryingly high numbers. People are stelling puppies and then selling them on as their own to make a healthy profit. This sort of crime is devastating not only for the puppies, who at times are too young to be leaving their mothers, but also to the owners who have to cope with the heartache.

Dog thieves can operate anywhere, although it does seem more common in large towns and cities. Often dogs are taken from owners when they are out walking or even from their back gardens.

Although you cannot prevent this happening altogether, there are steps you can take to try and avoid falling victim to this horrendous crime.

Be sure to always keep your dog on a lead and try and get a lead that can be locked to their collar. Often a small Caribana clip which needs to be unscrewed can do the trick. Don’t allow anyone to get too near to your puppy when out as this can make it easy for them to unclip their collar and take them. If you notice anyone acting suspicious, if possible, pick up your puppy and move away. Always report any suspicious activity to the police.