Dog thefts have risen dramatically during lockdown as pet burglaries on homes and kennels have increased by 65 per cent.
DogLost, a charity which reunites missing dogs with their owners told The Sun they had 48 incidents over the lockdown period of March 23 to June 1.
Last year they only had 29 incidents reported over the same period, an increase of 65 per cent.
Pedigree dogs are being targeted by gangs due to the increase in demand for pets to keep Britons company during lockdown.
Labradors, Jack Russells, Chihuahuas and Cockapoos are particularly popular targets for the dog thieves.
One widow, who left her three dogs in a kennel overnight while she visited her goddaughter, told the Cambridge Independent that she had "nothing to look forward to" after dog thieves broke in and stole them.
“My dogs are priceless to me," Mary Goldsmith, 73, said.
"They are my life. They are keeping me going. Other than that, what have I got to look forward to?
"I have no husband nor children. Luckily, I have lovely friends and family and two goddaughters. But my dogs are my babies.”
