Scots dog owners have been urged not to post about their pets on social media or tie them up outside shops alone after a string of attempted thefts in Dundee.
We told yesterday how cops were probing reports of two men spotted allegedly trying to kidnap the pets in Dundee's Baxter Park.
Cops confirmed that one dog was stolen in the Menzieshill area of the City of Discovery and have urged owners to take care.
Luckily the family pet was later found and reunited with its delighted owners.
Fears have gown over dog-napping during the coronavirus pandemic with the prices of some pooches skyrocketing during lockdown.
On Tuesday police and CCTV units were called to Baxter Park to investigate the claims.
A number of worried dog owners had reported a series of theft attempts in the area within minutes of each other.
Pollice have now issued advice to locals- including not positing on social media where you and your dog will be and not tying them up outside shops.
A statement said: "Following incidents in Dundee yesterday where a dog was stolen (later recovered) in Menzieshill, and alleged attempted thefts of dogs in the Baxter Park area, we have some crime prevention advice for you to help keep yourself and your dog safe."
Detailed safety advice has been issued including being wary of people asking questions about your dog.
The statement added: "Where at all possible, avoid leaving dogs in the garden or outside kennels when not at home.
"Never leave your dog secured alone, outside a shop. This makes them vulnerable and a tempting target for opportunist thieves.
Your dog should be microchipped and registered with current information. Use a collar and dog tag displaying contact details (don’t put your dog’s name on the tag, use your surname).
"Take photographs of yourself with your dog, to help you prove ownership if needed.
"Never let them off the lead if you are not sure they will come back to you, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area where your dog might get lost.
"Try not to give details of your pets, your location or your walking locations out on your social media platforms.
"When out walking, beware of strangers asking you questions about your dog.
"Vary your times of walks and routes; to avoid dogs being targeted during walks.
"If your dog is lost or suspected stolen, it is important to act quickly:-
"Report all missing / stolen dogs on 101, so if found they can be reunited with their owners.
If you believe your pet has been stolen, report it to the police and ask it is recorded as a theft and not as a lost animal, and note the crime reference number provided.
"Notify the microchip database provider.
"Report the loss on as many missing animal websites as possible – there is no single national missing animal database.
"Losing a pet due to theft or other reasons is a traumatic event. Blue Cross operates the national Pet Bereavement Support Service which can be contacted on 0800 096 6606 (8.30am – 8.30pm) or by email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk."
