Dog thefts reach seven year high
The number of dogs stolen in the UK has reached a seven-year high, new research reveals.
The figures from Direct Line Pet Insurance show last year the number of dogs stolen rose by 13% across the UK to 2,760, the highest levels since Direct Line started analysing theft rates in 2015.
This means 53 dogs were stolen every week last year, nearly eight every day. This is 321 more than in 2020 and 611 more than in 2019, when Direct Line recorded the lowest rate of dog thefts (2,148). Since 2015, the number of dogs reported stolen across the country has risen by 16%.
French Bulldogs were the most stolen breed in 2021 and saw a 29% rise compared to the number stolen in 2020. Jack Russell’s came in second, with the number stolen last year more than doubling (140%) compared to the year before. Other small dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs were also popular targets.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which were last year’s most popular target for thieves, saw an 88% reduction in thefts in 2021 pushing them down to seventh. Crossbreeds have also fallen in popularity, from second in 2020 to 10th in 2021.
Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “It’s devastating to see the number of dogs stolen continues to increase across the country. Unfortunately, the increase in dog ownership since the pandemic began and the subsequent rise in prices of these animals seems to make the crime even more appealing to thieves. The law will soon recognise dogs as members of the family with feelings, not just owned property and we hope that this will deter criminals, especially if they can be punished more severely if prosecuted.”
London once again saw the highest number of dog thefts last year of any region and single police force. The Metropolitan Police Service reported 422 incidents and accounted for 15% of all dogs stolen. The Metropolitan Police Service saw reports increase a third in 2021.
West Yorkshire Police came in second, recording 199 reports of stolen dogs in 2021, 59% more than in 2020. Kent Police came in third, receiving reports about 182 stolen dogs in 2021, a 54% rise on the number in 2020. Lancashire Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police complete the top five forces for stolen dog reports in 2021, receiving 116 and 100 reports, respectively.
The police forces which received the fewest number of stolen dog reports in 2021 were Lincolnshire and Surrey Police, with just 10 dogs reported stolen in each constabulary. Leicestershire (11), Suffolk (12) and South Wales (16) also received very few reports of stolen dogs last year.
In more positive news, the number of dogs returned also reached a record high last year, with 617 stolen dogs found and returned. This is a 19% increase compared to 2020, when 519 dogs were returned. Norfolk Constabulary reunited the greatest proportion of dogs with owners, returning 25 out of the 29 reported stolen, an 86% success rate. Dorset Police reunited 14 of 17 dogs (82%), and Derbyshire Constabulary reunited 37 out of 48 (77%).
