New statistics show that London is one of the UK’s dog theft hotspots, 14 per cent of all dog thefts nationally happened in the capital in 2020.
Yet less than 10 per cent of dog theft crimes in London led to criminal charges in 2020 and in almost half of cases, a suspect was never identified
Freedom of Information statistics reveal 196 cases of dog theft every month nationally, up seven per cent on 2019.
The statistics show there were an estimated 2,355 cases of dog theft in 2020, which is a 7 per cent increase on 2019 (2,199).
In London there were 318 dog thefts in 2020 – the second highest in the UK after the North West – and just 29 criminal charges.
No suspect was identified in almost half (46 per cent) of these reported dog theft cases in the capital, and in 17 per cent a suspect was identified but no action was taken, due to ‘evidential difficulties’.
The statistics are revealed 79 days after the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce was established (8 May) to help tackle the issue – in which time another 508 dogs have been stolen.
The Kennel Club is urging…
