Police issue warning to dog owners after spate of thefts

Officers say they are aware of a number of incidents in recent weeks in relation to thefts or attempted thefts of dogs.

Eight offences have been reported to Leicestershire Police with 13 dogs being reported stolen in the past two weeks.

This includes five Basset Hounds being taken from kennels in South Kilworth overnight between February 17 and 18 - an appeal was issued last week in relation to the incident and enquiries remain ongoing including checking CCTV in the area.

An appeal was also sounded in relation to Logan, a cockapoo who was stolen from kennels in North Kilworth on Friday February 12.

Thankfully, he was safely reunited with his owner the day afterwards.

The county police force are carrying out a number of enquiries both in relation to individual incidents reported to them as well as into how the crimes are affecting the force area as a whole.

Assistant Chief Constable, Julia Debenham, made this statement to residents today (Friday): “Many of us in the force are dog owners and we therefore know the important part they play in your family and fully understand the distressing and devastating impact this crime has.

“We are fully investigating reports made to us to ensure dogs are safely reunited with their owners and to find those responsible for these crimes.

“Please remain vigilant and please continue to report any incidents to us as well as anyone you see acting in an unusual manner.

“We will continue to act on this information received.

“Please also inform us of any adverts you see regarding dogs for sale where information is limited.”

Go to www.leics.police.uk to make an online report of the theft of a dog or call police on 101.

You can also pass information on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

**Police have given the following advice to dog owners to help keep their pets safe:

**Keep an ID tag on your dog at all times;

**Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and their details are updated so that they can be returned if they are stolen and subsequently found. Ask your vet to check your dog’s microchip every year to ensure your details are accurate and up-to-date;

**Keep all documentation relating to your dog(s) in a safe place. Take lots of photographs of your dog from different angles, paying particular attention to any distinguishing markings on your dog. This is to prove ownership if it’s stolen;

**Never leave your dog in the garden unattended and make sure fences and gates are secure and in good repair;

**Avoid leaving dogs in an outside kennel if possible. If not possible then make sure the kennels are alarmed;

**Never leave a dog tied-up and unattended such as outside a shop and avoid leaving your dog unattended in a car;

**When out, always know where your dog is. Remain vigilant and be mindful of anyone who may be trying to distract your attention from your dog or to attract your dog’s attention away from you.