Police have warned people to watch out for a trio who are knocking on doors and approaching dog walkers in Swansea in the hope of stealing their pets.
Bonymaen Councillor Paul Lloyd was alerted by officers that a man, woman and child had been operating in the Pentrechwyth and Penygarn areas and were trying to distract dog owners before running off with their animals.
Dog owners have also told others to be on their guard in the Bonymaen and Winch Wen areas.
Police have urged people to be vigilant.
Mr Lloyd, put out a social media post on Monday about what had been happening and said: “The police have contacted us about a suspicious male knocking doors in Pentrechwyth & Penygarn today making enquiries about dogs.
“He’s working with a female & a child who are stopping dog walkers to chat about their dogs while the male tries to steal the dog while the dog owner is distracted.”
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Mr Lloyd told Wales Online he was worried about the situation and that some dog walkers were considering walking their pooches in a gang as they were so fearful about the situation.
He added: “It bothers me. People as they are today in the Covid pandemic are taking their dogs out more than usual. They are now saying they are not going to go out on their own again and won’t go out until there is a gang they can go walking with. I am amazed at what is happening across South Wales and across the city. Someone told me they are even putting red marks on people’s houses to steal the dogs.”
One person commenting on social media on what had been happening said the people knocking doors were aggressive and she added that people should take care.
She said: “People of Bonymaen, Winch Wen, and Pentrechwyth, be careful about people knocking doors looking for puppies but they are looking to steal dogs. Woman and man. Man has an aggressive attitude. He has grey hair about 50ish Irish accent. It has been reported to police.”
A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “We continue to urge dog owners to be vigilant after reports of a suspicious man in the Pentrechwyth area on Monday [February 22}.
“The report stated that the man was asking questions about dogs as he approached houses and people in Pen Y Garn at about 1.30pm.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with further information should contact 101, quoting occurrence 2100062788.”
She said there were some crime prevention steps dog owners could take.
“Keep your garden/outdoor space secure; avoid leaving dogs in the garden or outside kennels if you’re not at home. Microchip your dog and ensure it is up to date. Ensure they have a collar and tag with the owner’s contact information on. Be mindful when tying them up outside shops.
“If you let your dog off its lead, ensure it has a good recall. Keep a current photograph of your dog and note any distinguishing marks.
“Further information for anyone considering buying a dog can be found here."
