Your Pets Daily - Dog Theft prevention

Over 2,000 Dogs Stolen In 2023 - THESE Are The Most Dog Breeds At Risk and Here's How To Keep Them Safe

Katie Court — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The police have released the top 3 dog breeds that are most likely to be stolen. English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and XL Bullies were the most frequently stolen breeds, with there being a 6% rise in the amount of dogs stolen in 2023 in contrast to 2022.

Pet theft figures suggest at least 2,290 dogs were stolen in 2023 and the likelihood of reuniting owners with their stolen pets isn’t good. Beverly Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today Magazine said “Shockingly in 2023 almost three quarters of pet owners didn't get their stolen pets back.”

Dog experts at Kennel Store have provided an expert comment explaining how to prevent having your dog stolen, as these alarming statistics will be worrisome to dog owners.

The recent statistics that have been released are both saddening and alarming. Having your dog stolen is both emotionally devastating and incredibly difficult for the families affected. Here are our top tips to keeping your dog safe:

Microchip your dog

Make sure your dog is microchipped and that the information associated with the chip is up to date. This will make you contactable if your dog is found.

Don’t leave them outside

Avoid leaving your dog alone outside, especially in an unsecured area. Keeping them indoors reduces the risk of them being taken from your garden or outdoor space.

Be mindful in public

When out in public, keep a close eye on your dog and avoid leaving them unattended, even for short periods.

Use a collar for identification

Always have your dog on a lead when outside, and make sure they wear a collar with an identification tag that is up to date. This means you are easily contactable if your dog is found.

Be cautious of strangers

Be mindful of strangers, particularly those who are showing excessive interest in your dog. Examples of this would be asking probing questions, or seem incredibly eager to interact with your dog.

Avoid leaving your dog in a car unattended

Leaving your dog in the car unattended, even for a short period of time, can make them vulnerable to being taken. If you do need to run errands, take your dog with you or leave them at home where they’re safe. ”

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Dogs

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Dog Theft prevention

Over 2,000 dogs stolen each year: How pet owners can protect their pooch

Tom Stone — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

With criminals looking to make a quick buck from the increased dog prices nationwide, pet owners have been warned to take extra precautions to protect their pooches from theft.

Thousands of dogs are stolen from their owners each year in the UK, so experts from Quotezone.co.uk have some pointers to help owners deter dognappers.

Prices for a new pup have stabilised at a higher level than before the pandemic at over £1300, unfortunately making furry friends prime targets for thieves. Over 2,000 dogs are subject to theft each year in the UK, with reports increasing since the pandemic, driven mainly by their increase in value. There is concern that the cost-of-living crisis will trigger a new wave of dognapping, with criminals seeing it as a way to make quick cash.

In the Greater London region alone, the Metropolitan Police revealed that 1029 pets were stolen from gardens in the first five months of 2022. This was a 662% increase from reports the previous year, with only 135 reported garden thefts. Dogs are the most commonly owned pet in the UK, and as a nation of dog lovers, 34% of households are at risk of being targeted for their furry companions.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: "Although precautions such as micro-chipping can help reunite pets with their owners, it, unfortunately, doesn't stop the actual theft. Visible collars with GPS tags may help act as a deterrent but it's important to review home security and where your pup spends time alone.

"Since lockdown, there has been a significant increase in the price of dogs, making them a lucrative target for criminals. However, there are many preventative measures that pet owners can take to reduce the risk of dog theft. We've created a list of some suggestions to help improve security and protect your pup. No one wants to imagine their pet being stolen, but the reality is that the crime will only get worse with the cost-of-living crisis as thieves see an increasing opportunity to make money."

Quotezone.co.uk has revealed ten tips to help prevent dog theft:

Keep pups on the lead

Dogs love nothing more than a bit of freedom out on a walk, but owners eager to avoid harm's way should keep their pooch on the lead to stop them from wondering too far. With no one around, anyone could capture a free-roaming dog. Investing in a long-line lead is a good idea so pets have more space but are still safe and close by.

Practice recall

If owners would rather not keep their dogs on the lead and like letting them engage freely with their new surroundings, teaching them to be highly responsive to recall is vital. Dogs with poor recall are more likely to get lost and targeted by criminals.

Take photos

Be sure to take pictures of your dog from all angles to help identify them, should worse come to worst you may need proof to get them back from rescuers and even photos with yourself and the dog, to help confirm ownership.

Stick to open spaces

Sticking to open spaces and walking with a friend is highly recommended for dog walkers because it's safer, and owners can see all around them. Try and avoid areas such as forests and woodlands with less visibility, it's also more likely that dogs could get lost.

Secure home and garden

Unfortunately, many dogs are stolen from their homes and gardens, so pet owners should consider improving their home security where possible with cctv cameras, burglar alarms, motion sensor lighting and joining the local neighbourhood watch scheme. Gardens are a prime spot for dognappers to target, so ensure they have locks and fences that people can't jump or fit through. Even fitting a bell to the gate, pebble stones around the entrance and additional lights are helpful to alert owners to any potential intruders.

Microchip pooch and keep it updated

If a dog is found after being stolen, pet organisations can read the registration information stored on the microchip to tie registration back to the owner. If a dog is resold after being robbed and an unsuspecting new owner takes it to the vet for a check, they can be reunited. For microchipping to work, information must be updated in the microchip registry. Immediately update contact information such as a phone number and addresses if it changes so the owner and pet can be reunited should they be stolen.

Be wary of social media

Be careful of oversharing location tags and your favourite spots for walks on social media channels, especially live posting, it could make you and your pet more vulnerable.

Invest in a GPS Tracker collar

GPS dog trackers allow dog owners to monitor their pooches' location constantly. As long as the tracker remains attached, they can be located in real-time if they escape, are stolen or run off on a walk.

Don't leave pups alone in public.

Aside from the danger of overheating in the car, leaving dogs in the car is also tempting for thieves. They can quickly smash the window and steal lone pups. Similarly, leaving a pet unattended outside a shop is just as risky.

Vary walks

Dognappers can target people they see going on the same walks regularly, so make sure to alternate routes in case suspicious strangers are watching. Be extra cautious of overly friendly people who ask lots of questions about your dog.

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Dogs

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Dog theft

Dog Theft prevention

UK dog theft prevention tips

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Dog theft has hit the headlines recently for reaching a seven year high, with over 2,700 dogs stolen last year, and reported hot spots popping up all over the UK including London, West Yorkshire and Kent amongst the worst for dog napping.

Due to this threat to our furry friends, experts at PuppyHero.com chose to collate a list of the top tips to prevent dog theft and provide some helpful information around the crime.

How to protect your pooch on a walk:

All dogs require regular exercise, but this is prime time for dog theft to occur. Below are the top tips to keep your dog safe on a walk:

- Practice Recall and or use an extended lead: in case there is an emergency or threat to your dog, it's vital to ensure they'll respond to your calls. Try using tasty treats for your dog as this will greatly assist in recall.

- Avoid Routine: this makes it harder for dog kidnapping gangs to track you and work out when to intercept and steal your dog.

- Walk with a friend: where possible, opt for safety in numbers, a friend will provide an extra witness and backup should you encounter a dognapper.

- Do not give out your dog's name: putting your dog's name on their collar, harness or ID may make it easier for strangers to lure them over.

- Stay aware of your surroundings: keep your eyes on your dog and avoid distractions like mobile phones. Try to always have a charged phone and not wear earbuds when walking your dog.

- Be seen and be heard as the owner: so as to make everyone aware that the dog is yours and you have a constant eye on it, to deter any dognappers.

- Walk in open spaces: if you feel uncomfortable, try to opt for open, populated spaces where you can be easily seen.

- Follow your instinct: if you suspect someone may be following you or raises your suspicions, leave the area quickly.

Keeping your dog safe while out and about:

- Avoid location tags on social media: this prevents thieves from knowing your address or where you regularly attend with your dog.

- Extra vigilant: report any suspicious activity you see.

- GPS tracking collar: consider investing in a GPS tracking collar, this will allow you to know your dog's location at all times.

- Be careful of strangers asking you a lot of questions: always be wary of an unknown person asking unusual or constant questions about your dog (both on and offline).

- Dog walking/kennel/groomer services: always carry out complete, extensive checks to see if they are trustworthy and reputable.

- Note emergency SOS shortcuts on your phone: these can help if you feel threatened or unsafe.

- Carry an alarm device: these can help to scare attackers and attract attention.

- Refuse help from strangers: unless absolutely necessary, avoid stranger's offers for help with your dog.

- Tint your car windows: dognappers have been known to steal canines from cars.

- Keep your dog building side: walk them away from the curb.

- An adult should always be in control: ensure children always walk dogs in the presence of an adult as dognappers may be more likely to target those they see as less likely to resist.

- Find local dog friendly stores: this will ensure your dog need not be left outside or in the car.

Preventing dog theft from your home:

- Protect home and secure property: consider dog cameras, CCTV, and video doorbells.

- Dogs are easily taken from gardens: especially front gardens, so make sure to secure your garden with tall fences.

- Lock and alarm gates: to prevent unwanted intruders.

- Leave a light on if your dog is home alone: this can be helpful in the evening, so it looks like someone is in. Alongside this, always turn an outside light on for supervised late night toilet trips so you can see your dog at all times.

- Outdoor kennels should also be alarmed and locked: for any dogs kept outdoors, ensure kennels have sufficient security.

- Gravel your path or driveway: this makes it harder for intruders to discreetly approach.

- Regularly test your home alarm: to ensure it's in working order.

- Lock your dog flap when not in use: and don't leave the window open in the room your dog is in.

- Don't showcase new puppies online: be careful oversharing any new pets, puppies are especially valuable to dog nappers.

Theft prevention by type of dog/breed:

- Puppies that are not chipped are more valuable as they have no ID: be extra careful in protecting puppies as they are prime targets.

- Be extra careful with pedigree dogs: they are the most valuable and therefore the optimum targets.

- Neutered dogs will deter thieves: as some thieves look to steal pets to breed them, a neutered dog will be less of a target.

- When selling puppies, have someone else present: limiting the number of people and showing them in only one, secure area can protect your dogs from theft.

Proving ownership:

- Proof of ownership: it is important that you have documentation of ownership in order to make sure there is no dispute should your dog be lost or stolen.

- Keep ID collar tags up to date: make sure your current mobile phone number and other contact details are on the tag.

- Get your dog microchipped: this will be done by your vet, it will be relatively pain free for the dog and cheap to do. This is required by law in the UK before the dog is eight weeks old.

- Be sure to take photos of your dog: keep in mind capturing many angles and any identifying features. Take a photo of you with your dog too, and before and after grooming.

- Your dog's DNA: if you're really worried about dog theft then consider collecting their DNA to match later on if needed. There are services that can help with this.

Financial tips:

- Pet insurance: make sure this covers theft and you'll be financially compensated.

- Be careful with rewards: if offering a reward for your dog, make sure information is correct and your dog is found before giving the money.

- Keep all your documents safe: to be accessed in an emergency.

Dog breeds that are most likely to be stolen and their average price tag:

Ranked by likelihood to be stolen, according to petkeen.com	Dog Breed	Price (£) in 2022, mostly according to countryliving.com
1	French Bulldog	1,707.71
2	Bulldog	2,221.08
3	Yorkshire Terrier	1,156.85
4	Chihuahua	1,009.53
5	German Shepherd Dog	1,055.26
6	Maltese	1,050.78
7	Shih Tzu	1,000.92
8	Labrador Retriever	1,271.20
9	Poodle	889.12
10	Siberian Husky	856.80

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Dogs

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Dog Theft prevention

Pet theft

Pet theft HOTSPOTS revealed as nearly 5,000 dogs stolen in last six years

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

With 3.2 million UK families acquiring a pet since the start of the pandemic, Freedom of Information requests reveal where in the UK is suffering from the highest number of dog thefts in recent years and what breeds are being targeted.

Following a 57% increase in searches for 'how to prevent your dog being stolen' in the past year², experts from natural dog food retailer Dragonfly Products look into the number of dog thefts in the UK in the past six years and share dog theft prevention tips for residents in the worst hit areas.

The findings are based on insight obtained by Dragonfly Products through Freedom of Information requests (FOIs) sent to 45 UK police constabularies, of which 24 responded. The top ten police constabularies that logged the highest amount of dog thefts in the past six years include:

UK Police Constabulary	Total over six years
Kent	723
Lancashire	599
Durham	269
Sussex	245
Merseyside	233
Northern Ireland	215
Derbyshire	214
Gwent	210
Humberside	208
Cleveland	207

Dragonfly's study reveals that police constabularies within these ten areas recorded 3,123 dog thefts in the past six years, with 5,000⁴ dognappings being registered among the total 24 constabularies in the same time period. Kent Police takes the top spot for the most pooch-related thefts with a staggering 723 in the six years.

From 2017 to 2021, the number of dogs stolen in the South East county, Kent, increased by 34% (136 to 182). This distinct uplift could be attributed to criminals opting to steal puppies due to the demand for pedigree pups in the UK. In the first six months of 2022, Kent has recorded 79 dog thefts. With the market for dogs not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon, current and potential dog owners must clue themselves up on anti-dog theft prevention.

Laura Lambert, owner of Dragonfly Products, commented on the FOI findings: "It's really sad to see the shocking number of dog thefts across the country. Knowing that so many pups have been ripped from their family homes is unbearable, and even more so knowing that they're likely being used for intensive breeding."

Lancashire constabulary ranks second for the most dog thefts in the past six years (599). Unfortunately for pet owners in Lancashire, dog stealing increased by 24% in 2021 compared to the year before (97 to 120), and to date in 2022, 58 dogs have been taken from their homes.

The top three breeds to be stolen within these six years in Lancashire include Staffordshire Bull Terriers (60), French Bull Dogs (44), and Chihuahuas (23). For Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners, 2017 was the worst year for nappings (23).

Durham constabulary takes the third spot in Dragonfly Product's new ranking. Over the past six years, the North East county registered a total of 269 dog thefts. The top three dog breeds to be stolen within this period include Lurchers (32), Jack Russells (25), and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (20). So far in 2022, Durham police have logged 7 dog thefts.

Other police constabularies that have seen a staggering amount of dog thefts in the past six years include Sussex (245), Merseyside (233), Northern Ireland (215), Derbyshire (214), Gwent (210), Humberside (208), and Cleveland (207).

Laura Lambert adds: "With the number of dog thefts projected to be just as high this year, it's essential that current pet owners, or those thinking getting a dog, learn how to protect them from theft.

"Some anti-theft prevention tips include ensuring your dog is microchipped, and all information stored on the chip is up to date, especially your phone number and home address. Popping a collar on your dog with an ID tag is also a good idea, as well as confirmation they're microchipped. Although dogs should wear ID tags, we'd avoid putting their names on the tag as this could make it easier for thieves to lure them in.

"We'd also suggest choosing safe walking routes and switching these up every now and then to prevent potential thieves spotting you in the same area. Leaving pups in the car and outside shops is also a no-go, as this is possibly the easiest win for pet thieves.

"At home, our experts recommend ensuring dogs are supervised when out in the garden and installing security gates and locks around the outdoor premises. CCTV may also help deter thieves."

For a full breakdown of the counties with the highest number of dog thefts and to learn more about dog theft prevention, please visit: https://www.dragonflyproducts.co.uk/Dog-health-advice/pet-theft-hotspots-of-the-uk-revealed

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Dogs

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Dog Theft prevention

Dog Theft Security

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 03 May 2021 07:41:56 +0000

Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience, and with more Brits spending time at home or out walking in the country, the demand for finding a furry best friend increased. However, this surge in Brits wanting to own a dog also resulted in an increase in dog theft across the UK; in fact there has been a 170% increase in dog theft since lockdown started, with many breeds being targeted for resale at extortionate prices or breeding.

It’s vital for dog owners to ensure their precious pets are kept safe from thieves. Whether it be when they’re in the home or running around in the garden, it’s important to ensure all access points to the home are secure. To help combat this increasing threat, security experts Yale have created a checklist to help dog owners ensure their homes are kept secure in the fight against dog theft.

Check all locks on doors and windows. If any locks are faulty, loose, or worn consider replacing them. Kitemarked locks such as the Platinum 3 Star Euro Profile Cylinder offer the highest level of protection from all forms of attack.

If your external doors are fitted with a nightlatch, which is started to feel lose, you might want to consider upgrading. A Yale Maximum Security Nightlatch is Secure by Design approved and kitemarked to BS3621 offering the maximum level of protection.

Make sure your perimeter fences and walls are all in good shape. Also, check that any gate locks are in working order, if a replacement is required ensure a maximum or high security padlock with high quality waterproof hasp is used for protection all year round.

Check your security lighting is all working correctly, and that sensors are not obscured by plants or trees. A brightly-lit property is not an attractive proposition for burglars, who prefer dark areas in which to work. Yale’s All-in-One Security Camera works as a security light, CCTV camera and alarm in one, the smart device allows you to keep a check on your home, from anywhere in the world via your smartphone, so you can switch the light on and offer when required.

Domestic CCTV is known to be a key deterrent for potential burglars. Thanks to wireless technology, systems such as Yale’s Smart Home CCTV kit are easy to fit and install and offer great value for money.

Gravel pathways are a low-cost (and attractive) way to deter thieves from entering your home. It’s almost impossible to step quietly on gravel or other loose surfaces, so intruders are less likely to attempt a break-in.

Keep downstairs windows and dog flaps locked at night when possible. If your pet needs a source of fresh air overnight, consider moving their bed to an upstairs room where it’s safe to open the window.

An alarm acts as a strong visual deterrent, as well as warning you immediately when someone enters your home. Smart alarms such as the Yale Sync Smart Alarm integrates with your phone, to give you updates wherever you are and also has pet sensors, allowing your pet to move freely around the home without creating a false alarm.

Keep any ladders or tools safely under lock and key. If a burglar can grab a ladder from your garden, there’s a chance they could use it to access your home. Consider locking your ladder with a security cable and a maximum security padlock Yale High Security Weatherproof padlocks are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Walking your dog, the same route everyday can make it easier for thieves to track and plan where your dog could be stolen from. Varying your walks will make it difficult.

It’s important to get your dog microchipped. Although it will not prevent your dog from being stolen, but it will help with identification if it’s found.

Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. It helps the entire community, and you get the whole street keeping an eye out for any suspicious behaviour.

Many of us consider our pets to be part of the family and it’s important to protect them from harm. Protect the ones you love by making sure your home and garden security is up to date.

To find out more about the range of security products from Yale, visit www.yalehome.co.uk

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Dogs

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Dog Theft prevention

keeping your dog safe