Dog thefts: Protect your dog from thieves
The internet and social media can be a frenzy of scare stories of people stealing dogs and it is not uncommon for Nottinghamshire Police to receive calls from dog owners worried about stories of travelling criminals targeting dogs or leaving chalk marks on properties with dogs inside.
Thankfully, we don't have any evidence of dogs ever being stolen in this way in Nottinghamshire and the number of dog thefts reported to Nottinghamshire Police is actually very low.
Between January 2018 to April 2021 our data shows:
- 44% of dog thefts were committed by a person known to the owner, most commonly a partner or ex partner
- stolen dogs were returned to owners in almost half of cases
- more than one in three dogs stolen were taken from the garden
- very few offences of dog theft, including attempts, saw violence being used
If you've lost your dog
If you've lost your dog or would like to report a stray dog in your area, please contact your local council.
Report your dog as stolen
Before you get in touch with us, please check with any friends or family members who may have access to your dog to make sure they haven’t taken the dog out.
But if you believe your dog has been stolen rather than escaping or otherwise going missing, contact us and report your dog as stolen.
Make a note of the crime reference number.
Please give us as much information as you can about:
- the description of your dog including name and microchip number
- dates and times for when you last saw your dog
- the circumstances around your dog’s disappearance
- contact names and numbers of anyone you believe may have access to your dog
- descriptions of people or vehicles seen acting suspiciously in the area
Protect your dog from thieves
Find out the steps you can take to protect your dog from thieves.
How to choose a puppy and spot a bad breeder
Follow this advice from the RSPCA to make sure you're buying a healthy, happy animal from a good breeder.
If you have any concerns, walk away and report the breeder to the RSPCA and the local authority. If you see any animals being abused, please report this to us.
Support if your pet is stolen
Losing a pet can be traumatic, but you can get help and support from the Blue Cross national Pet Bereavement support service.