Leeds has the highest rate of dog thefts outside of London, according to new research.
A total of 346 dog thefts have been reported in Leeds over the past five years, with Staffordshire Bull Terriers most at risk.
The figures, sourced through a Freedom of Information request to police, state, aside from in 2020, Leeds has been the number one spot for dog thefts outside of London every year since 2016.
Bradford has been named the second mostly likely place to have a dog stolen in the UK, with 244 thefts reported within the same timeframe.
The date, collected by money.co.uk, also shared the most likely breeds to become victim to dog thefts across the UK.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been found to be twice more likely to be stolen than any other breed, with 367 thefts.
Chihuahuas ranked in second followed by French Bulldogs, with 163 and 149 thefts respectively in the equivalent time period.
French Bulldogs have seen the highest increase in thefts between 2016 and 2020 due to them becoming a more sought-after pet in recent years.
The top 10 dog breeds at risk of being stolen:
1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
2. Chihuahua
3. French Bulldog
4. Jack Russell Terrier
5. Pug
6. Bulldog
7. German Shepherd
8. Yorkshire Terrier
9. Cocker Spaniel
10. American Bulldog
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The online comparison site, which provides guidance on pet insurance, also provided a list of tips for protecting against dog theft.
Tips from money.co.uk on how to protect against dog theft:
Microchipping – If you haven’t already, it’s vital that you ensure that your dog is microchipped, not least because it is now required by law. This ensures that your dog can easily be identified and returned to you if they get lost.
Be vigilant – While it’s always nice when friendly strangers come up to chat to you and say hello to your dog in the park, do remain vigilant of people you don’t know. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your dog. Don’t let them off the lead unless you’re sure that they will come back to you!
Keep your garden secure – Try to keep your dog in view when it's in the garden, especially in the front garden if it can be easily accessed from the street. Make sure that any gates are locked and consider fitting a bell so that you can hear if anyone opens it.
Be careful on social media – As much as you might want to share pictures of your dog online, it’s important to be careful. Try not to give away information such as where you live and walk your dog, or take a look at your privacy settings.
Take out pet insurance – Dog insurance doesn’t just protect your dog from expensive veterinary treatments, but some policies will also cover the cost if your pet is stolen or goes missing (sometimes known as ‘missing pet cover’). The very best policies will also cover any costs of advertising if your pet gets lost.
