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

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: 

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