Warning of significant increase in dog thefts

Due to a significant increase in reports of dog thefts and attempted dog thefts, Cambridgeshire Constabulary are offering advice around crime prevention and home security.

They are encouraging you to be vigilant and cautious of suspicious people or markings seen around addresses, as well as cold callers and if you are approached by strangers while out on a dog walk. 

Please report such activity to the police, with descriptions of the individuals and their vehicles, before sharing with social media and local watch groups. 

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or report online via www.contactcambspolice.uk/Report/. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.  In the event of an emergency, call 999. 

• Ensure your dog is microchipped and registered with up to date information and has a collar and dog tag (use your surname rather than the dog’s name and your telephone contact). 
• Take plenty of clear photographs of your dog and especially of any distinctive markings
• Never leave a dog unattended in the garden, car or outside shops
• Don’t give details of your pets, your location or your favourite walking spots on social media and make sure your security settings are set to friends only
• When out, always know where your dog is.  Be mindful of anyone who may be trying to distract your attention from your dog or attract your dog’s attention away from you
• Avoid leaving dogs in outside kennels if at all possible, if not possible then make sure the kennels are alarmed – padlocks alone will not stop thieves!
• Ensure all gates are locked at top and bottom with a shoot bolt and padlock and consider fitting a bell or gate alarm as well
• Make sure your garden boundaries (fence, hedge etc) are secure so no one can gain entry or pull your dog out and to ensure your dog cannot escape through any gaps
• Consider driveway alarms to alert you to intruders and combine this with the use of monitored CCTV that will alert you via your phone or tablet instantly
• For more rural locations, think about https://uwatch.co.uk/ a great multi-purpose security device that does not require Wi-Fi or additional lighting
• Don’t buy dogs from social media sites or any person where appropriate documentation (ownership, health check, pedigree papers etc.) cannot be provided, and always view puppies with the mother in their home environment.  

If your dog is stolen report it to police on 101 and to your local authority dog warden. Notify your microchip database provider immediately and advise www.Doglost.co.uk or via their Facebook page. They will offer help, support and advice.