What can I do to reduce the risk of my pet dog being stolen?
A response by Jon Caldwell, Security Consultant, at Caldwell Security.
More Blogs available at https://caldwellsecurity.co.uk/blog.
Having your dog stolen is a pet lover’s worst nightmare, and the emotional impact of not knowing what has happened to them, or whether you will ever see your pet again is very painful. Most theft of dogs is opportunistic, and Thieves will look for easy targets, and so making life difficult for Criminals is the best way to keep them safe. Sadly only 22% of stolen dogs were returned to their Owners, and during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, there was a significant increase in dog thefts, mainly due to the rise in the cost of puppies, and the high demand for a pet during Lockdown.
Dogs are almost always stolen for profit. Criminals target specific breeds, that are popular with buyers, and steal the dog, either to sell on, or for breeding purposes. Occasionally dogs are stolen to prompt a reward being offered for their return, and the Thieves return the dog to gain the reward.
Male and Female dogs are also stolen, and sold to illegal ‘puppy farms’, and used as breeding machines, to produce numerous puppies, that can be sold for a substantial profit, and then dumped when they become too old.
Amongst the top breeds being stolen are Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Designer Crossbreeds, such as the Cockerpoo, Cocker Spaniel, English and French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell and Border Collie.
Thieves are looking for a quick re-sale, and usually target younger dogs, especially puppies. Dogs that have not been spayed, or neutered, are also targeted for breeding purposes. Small dogs are often easier to steal and re-sell, as they are often owned by older people, who may be unable to protect their dog if approached by Thieves.
Criminals are on the look out for unattended dogs, either in gardens, left outside shops, left alone in cars, dogs that live in outside kennels, or when walking in busy parks, when the dog is running loose, and can be lured away from their owner. In a small number of cases, Thieves have approached the dog’s owner, and threatened violence, and snatched the animal.
There are a number of ways in which you can reduce the risk of your pet being stolen. If you are not intending to breed from your pet, you may wish to consider having your dog, spayed, or neutered, which, although a controversial option, will make your dog less attractive to Criminals seeking a dog for breeding purposes. It is possible to buy a dog collar with the word ‘neutered’ embossed on it, to indicate to Thieves, and deter them from stealing your pet.
You should also have your pet microchipped, and the details kept up to date, which will enable your pet to be identified and returned to you. Also take lots of photographs, from different angles, especially showing any distinguishing features, which you can use to circulate on Social Media, should your dog be stolen. When out walking, your dog should have a collar, or harness, with an Identification Tag, containing your contact details, to help your dog to be retuned should it go missing.
Always remain vigilant when out walking, and see if there are any persons acting suspiciously, or particularly paying attention to dog walkers. Beware of Strangers asking you questions about your dog. Where possible, walk with others, to deter a Thief trying to snatch your dog, and vary the times, and places, you walk your dog. Take time to train your dog to come back when called, maybe use a whistle, so that you are always in control. Keep some treats in your pocket, which should ensure your dog is always interested in responding to your recall command.
Do not leave your pet alone in any garden which has easy access from the road, or public place. Erect good quality high fences, and strong gates, with padlocks, to your rear garden, to make it more difficult for Criminals to gain access and steal your dog. Never leave your dog outside if you leave your house unattended, as this gives the Criminals a big window of opportunity to commit the theft.
Consider installing a CCTV system, that can be monitored from your mobile phone, which will give you a warning should anyone attempt to enter your property, or garden.
Be cautious as to what information you post on Social Media. Any pictures of your pet can be viewed by Thieves, who may then be able to identify the area where you live, and attempt to steal the animal.
You may wish to consider booking a Consultation with Caldwell Security, who will be able to give suitable security advice on protecting your pet, as part of the low-cost Crime Prevention Security Survey. More information is available by clicking HERE
Caldwell Security Consultants will provide, no obligation, security mitigation recommendations, but they do not provide installation, or supply, of any security products.