DOG THEFT & PET THEFT – A RISING CRIMINAL TREND

DOG THEFT AND PET THEFT – A DISTURBING RISING CRIMINAL TREND

There is a disturbing criminal trend on the rise – dog theft. Dog theft – and pet theft overall - is driven by organised crime and is seen by criminals as a low-risk, high-reward offence. In recent years, as low as only one per cent of dog theft crimes have led to an actual prosecution and conviction. Most pet thefts happen from the home, but leaving your dog unattended at a shop or in a vehicle is also a major risk. Whilst dog theft – and the theft of any pet for that matter – can happen anytime and anywhere, there are three regions in the United Kingdom where dog theft numbers are high (incidences relative to per head of population). They are Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater London. How common is dog theft, what breeds are the most popular targets for dog thieves, and what can you do to protect yourself and your beloved pet.

In 2023, 2,290 dogs were reported stolen in the UK, a 6% increase from 2022. This is the equivalent of around six dogs being stolen each day. However, only one in six of these stolen dogs were returned to their owners, and the number of dogs successfully returned to their owners has decreased by 36% year-on-year. 

The most commonly stolen breeds

Dog thefts are on the rise as the demand for certain “trendy” and “must-have” breeds increases. Criminals target these in-demand dogs, knowing that they can sell them on to make quick and easy money.

Reported stolen breeds included English Bulldogs, and the now-banned XL Bullys, but French Bulldogs are historically the most-stolen dog breed, by far.  That said, if your dog is a breed that is “of the moment” as far as trendy dogs are concerned, such as Dachshunds for example, she or he could be at risk of dog theft.

Where dog thefts occur

Where dog thefts occur include from the home – by far the most common, at about 50% - whilst about a further 15% happen while the dog is being walked, and about another 15% of thefts from dogs being left unattended outside a shop or in a car. Dog theft can also occur if your dog escapes from your garden and wanders off.

The impact of pet theft

All crimes have an impact, but in this case stealing a pet from its owner is a particularly cruel crime that is far from being a so-called victimless crime as it causes upset and anxiety for the owner and great distress for the pet. 

Dogs are the most frequently stolen pets at the top of the list, with a staggering 4,403 theft cases between 2019 and 2023.

The vast majority of pets are stolen by 'flippers' who intend to resell them at a profit or effectively hold the pet to ransom by claiming a reward for its safe return. This is an appealing option for pet thieves, as they don't have to put in a lot of effort.

But, under new legislation introduced in 2024, the theft of a pet is now recognised as a specific crime, acknowledging the unique value of pets beyond their monetary worth. Those found guilty of pet theft or abduction could face a custodial sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine.

Dog Theft by Region

In their UK Pet Theft Report 2023 website article (https://www.adt.co.uk/blog/pet-thefts-index-2023), the burglar alarm and security firm ADT highlights the top three regions in the UK for pet theft, including dog theft. They are Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater London. Perhaps you would expect the numbers to be high in a densely populated urban area like the “mean streets” of Greater London, but Cumbria is a largely affluent and rural county comprising areas of outstanding natural beauty like the Lake District.

As the article says, “Pet theft is a serious and distressing crime affecting many UK pet owners. The theft of a beloved pet can be traumatic, not just because of the loss of a companion but also due to the uncertainty about the pet's welfare and whereabouts… But where in the UK is this problem the worst? And which pets are targeted the most?”

In 2023, ADT sent Freedom of Information requests to police forces across the UK to find out just how bad the crime of pet theft is in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Cumbria tops the charts as far as this unwelcome trend is concerned, with 81 pet theft cases per 100,000 head of population, and over 400 pet thefts in the years 2019 to 2023.

This is because, even though Cumbria has a “smaller population compared to more urban areas, this region shows a significantly higher incidence of pet theft relative to its population size”. However, the trend in Cumbria “indicates a gradual decrease in pet thefts, dropping from 85 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 50 in 2023”.

The county of Lancashire is next. Also in the north west of England, Lancashire had 55 pet theft cases per 100,000 head of population, and 851 incidents of pet theft. The article notes that “Lancashire's data shows a steady increase in pet thefts from 2019 to 2021, followed by a slight decrease in 2022 and 2023”. And, whilst “it has more pet thefts overall than Cumbria, due to its larger population, its rate per 100,000 people puts it in second place”. The research found that Lancashire’s total pet theft per 100,000 people was higher than when ADT previously conducted their research, “when it stood at 52.9, putting it in third place [in the league table of pet theft]”.

That dubious honour now goes to Greater London – with just under 50 cases of per theft per 100,000 people and the highest number of pet thefts overall at over 4,000. But, when “adjusted for its large population, the rate per 100,000 people is lower at 49.5”. The ADT data indicated “a sharp increase in pet thefts in 2022, an outlier year with 1,656 thefts compared to the other years”. The reason for the spike “could be down to the coronavirus pandemic, with more time at home causing more people to get dogs”. ADT found that “Greater London’s rate has increased considerably from last year’s research, from 39 per 100,000 people to 49.5”.

The other regions rounding out the Top 5 are Leicestershire and West Yorkshire – both of which are only just behind Greater London.

As far as Lancashire is concerned, there are certain towns where dog thefts are among the highest in the UK, as reported by the  Lancashire Post (https://www.lep.co.uk/news/the-lancashire-towns-where-dog-thefts-are-among-the-highest-in-the-uk-4965616). Their article claims that “Two Lancashire towns have been named among the worst places for dog thefts in the UK” – Blackburn and Burnley.

“Blackburn and Burnley rank among the top 15 UK areas where you're most likely to lose your pet. Blackburn takes sixth place with a 7.99 reported missing cases per 10,000 people, while Burnley rounds out the list in 15th place with 5.49 cases per 10,000 residents.”

But, “Blackpool is featured in a list of places where your dog is least likely to go missing - with an average of 2.21 cases per 10,000 residents”.

The article goes on to say that “Nationally, Manchester tops the risk list, with 17 missing pet cases per 10,000 residents, averaging 236 incidents last year. Scottish cities are among the safest with four locations featuring in the top 10 low-risk areas for missing pets.”

Returning to London specifically, in December 2023, BBC News London reported that only “six percent of stolen animals in London [had] been recovered [in 2023] (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-67579911). The article goes on to say that “Dogs were the most common victims, with 335 stolen...”but that “Other pets including cats, fish and birds were also taken.”

Areas with the lowest rates of pet theft

But which areas have the lowest rates of pet theft?

Again, according to ADT, the three regions that have the lowest rates of pet theft per 100,000 people are – which may surprise you – the West Midlands, South Wales and Merseyside.

That’s despite the West Midlands being one of the more densely populated areas that responded to the research.

Again, as far as the Bottom 5 regions are concerned, they are the West Midlands, South Wales, Merseyside, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Dogs are the animal that is most commonly stolen

In terms of the type of animal most commonly stolen, dogs topped the list. There was quite a drop-off in numbers to the next most common pet to be stolen – cats. Livestock was third on the list.

As the ADT article says, “Dogs are the most frequently stolen pets at the top of the list, with a staggering 4,403 theft cases between 2019 and 2023. This high number is likely due to the substantial emotional and financial value attached to dogs, making them a prime target for thieves. The versatility of dogs, ranging from household pets to working and show dogs, adds to their appeal for theft. Dogs were also the most commonly stolen animal in last year’s study.”

And, “With 1,076 theft cases, cats are the second most commonly stolen pets. While significantly lower than the number for dogs, it still represents a substantial issue. Cats are often targeted for their breed, rarity, or for illegal breeding purposes.”

Is pet theft more prevalent in urban or rural areas?

You might think that pet theft is more prevalent in urban areas, going by what we’ve seen so far, but it happens in more rural areas too, including Cumbria, and all across the country in fact.

A recent BBC News Website article highlighted the issue in Kent in the South East of England  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jn26dz24lo.amp), where “A total of 149 reports were made in 2023/24, according to figures obtained by BBC South East” and “[the] three most common breeds reported stolen included XL Bully, Labrador and Miniature Poodle”.

Working dogs are stolen as well as pet dogs

Dog theft extends to both pet dogs and working dogs alike, which also affects the owner’s livelihood as well as causing distress. The Countryside Alliance has an article on their website on ‘the disturbing rise in dog thefts and how communities can fight back’ (https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/communities/dog-theft) citing DogLost who stated that “almost 50% of its missing dog reports relate specifically to working dogs, with the most commonly stolen gundogs being Cocker and Springer Spaniels and Labradors.”

New law introduced – the Pet Abduction Act 2024

The crime has become so much of a problem that a new law was introduced – the Pet Abduction Act 2024 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pet-abduction-bill-becomes-law). Under the newly introduced law, “anyone found guilty of stealing a pet in England or Northern Ireland will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both”.

It “recognises that cats and dogs are not inanimate objects but sentient beings capable of experiencing distress and other emotional trauma when they are stolen from their owners or keepers.” 

Microchipping

The Act also encompasses “wider action to protect pets from theft, including making the microchipping of cats compulsory from 10 June 2024. This makes it easier for lost, stray or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.”

As the previously mentioned Lancashire Post article says, “Microchip your pet and keep information up-to-date.”

“Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to link your pet to you in case they go missing. Ensure the microchip is registered with your current contact information and any alternate phone numbers. Additionally, equip your pet with a durable collar that includes an ID tag showing your phone number and address for quick contact if they’re found.”

This includes dogs as well as cats.

As the Countryside Alliance article makes clear, “All dogs must now, by law, be microchipped so ensure your details are up to date, report it to Petlog and register the dog's microchip as missing so it will show up as such when scanned.”

The Lancashire Post also share this handy tip:

“Many dog owners don't want to leave their pooch's collar on all the time. They assume that it's uncomfortable for the dog to wear its collar. I disagree. I've found that dogs don't mind their collars at all, but if they get lost without a collar (with attached nametag), their chances of being found are MUCH smaller. Collars are like seatbelts: they don't make you safe if you're not wearing one!”

How Maisey Daisey can help

Of course, Maisey Daisey can help you with this. We sell quality premium dog collars and also offer free personalised engraving on our Alumax Clasps – a feature of our Harris Tweed Clasp Dog Collars (https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/dog-collars-uk-made).

And, don’t forget our promise to donate 10% of our profits to dog rescue organisations, which means that not only are you helping to keep your dog safe but also providing a safe haven for rescue dogs too.

What else can you do to help keep your dog safe?

There are several steps that you can take to help keep your dog – or cat – safe and prevent them from wandering off – something that could lead to their theft.

The Lancashire Post again:

“Take steps to make your home escape-proof. Fix any broken fences, ensure gates are always latched, and check for gaps where a curious pet might squeeze through. Indoors, keep doors and windows secure, especially when people are entering or leaving. If you have a dog, consider using a [dog lead attached to their collar] in unfenced areas to prevent wandering, especially during walks or outdoor playtime.”

And the Countryside Alliance:

“[With over] 50% of dogs...stolen from gardens...we urge all dog owners to double-check their security to keep their pets safe.”

The CA says, “Review your security at home:

-        If your dog lives indoors, take the usual principles to ensure safety.

-        If kennelled, build your kennel as close to your home as possible.

-        Use alarmed padlocks or passive infrared sensors that send text messages to your mobile phone if tampered with.

-        Install remote access CCTV, which allows you to regularly check on your dogs from your mobile phone, and security lighting on all outbuildings and kennels.

-        Never leave ladders or tools around that can be used by thieves to gain entry.

-        Sign up to local and regional neighbourhood watch programmes so you are aware of other local thefts in the area. Make sure to note down the registration numbers of any suspicious looking vehicles.”

And:

“When you are out and about:

-        Never leave your dog unattended.

-        If you are in the pub or in a public area don't boast about your dog. You never know who is listening...

-        If you have to keep your dog in the car for any period of time, ensure the car is locked.

-        Use tinted windows to obscure the view through the rear windows of your vehicle to protect your dogs if they're left in the car whilst you're working.”

If the worst happens and your dog is stolen?

Lastly, if the worst happens and your dog is stolen:

“Swift action is a necessity – make sure you call 999 and get a crime reference number. You should also contact your local council dog warden and the RSPCA to alert them, should the dog be handed in.”

And:

“[Use] social media to spread the word and [let] people know what has happened, [which] can make the dog 'too hot to handle', increasing the chance of it being returned to you. Forums and Facebook groups are good places to post messages but beware of hoaxers claiming to know where your dog is if you are offering a reward. Finally, keep the police up to date and always allow them to follow up any potential leads.”

Also:

“Take photos of your dogs from several angles and keep them with your dogs' documents, making sure to document any specific markings or features.”

Lastly:

 “Talk to neighbours and check with your local community – postal workers [and couriers and delivery drivers], milkmen [and women], shopkeepers etc.”

Basically, anyone who may have seen your dog and has any information.

So, in conclusion, take every step you can to protect yourself and your beloved pet, and let’s try and get those pet theft figures down. The first thing you can do is make sure that your dog is microchipped, and then ensure that she or he has a decent quality dog collar with identification and address details attached or visible.