Dog house owners in London are almost certainly to have their pet stolen, with the capital recording probably the most thefts within the UK for the ninth 12 months in a row.
The Metropolitan Police recorded 359 canine thefts in 2023, an evaluation of police knowledge by Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed.
The determine is a slight lower in comparison with 2022, when 396 canine thefts have been recorded by the pressure, though the determine has risen nationally.
Bulldogs have been the preferred breeds to be stolen within the capital final 12 months.
Data exhibits that 56 American bulldogs and 21 French bulldogs have been stolen, in addition to 5 British bulldogs.
Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Huskies, Pugs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been among the many breeds stolen within the capital final 12 months.
Behind London, Kent Police recorded 138 canine thefts and West Yorkshire Police recorded 125 thefts.
Across the UK 2,290 dogs have been stolen in 2023, a six per cent improve on 2022.
Direct Line discovered only one in six stolen dogs have been discovered and returned efficiently, the bottom determine for the reason that insurance coverage firm began monitoring knowledge in 2015.
English Bulldogs have been discovered to be probably the most stolen breed of 2023 nationally and notably, XL Bullies went from not that includes on Direct Line’s listing of most stolen breeds to being third, with 37 instances reported in 2023.
English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are marketed for round £3,000 which means criminals could make massive sums from the money, the insurance coverage firm mentioned.
Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, mentioned: “It is saddening to see the increase in dog theft this year, these statistics don’t show the heartbreak and anxiety faced by owners across the country who have lost a loved one.
“For pet owners it can feel like a member of the family has been ripped away if their dog is stolen. We continue to see year on year the same breeds being targeted for thieves, so owners of these animals should be especially vigilant.”
