Neighbourhood Watch Launches Protect Your Pooch

Dog owners are increasingly concerned about their dogs being stolen from them.

Neighbourhood Watch has launched our PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign to keep your dogs secure, in sight and searchable.

DogLost, a UK charity that helps victims of dog theft, recorded a 170% increase in the crime, from 172 dogs reported stolen in 2019 to 465 dogs in 2020.

According to a survey conducted by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne in partnership with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners 27,440 people (22% of the 124, 729 people who responded) have had a dog stolen or knew someone who had over the last year.

79% of people to whom the question was applicable said they had grown more fearful of taking their dog for a walk during the day and an even greater number, 83%, have grown more fearful of taking their dog for a walk at night.

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has said in recent media interviews that she will review pet theft, with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators.

To help keep your dog safe Neighbourhood Watch have pulled together some top tips on how to keep your dog safe and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of dog theft at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch