Increase of dog thefts in Kent

There are reports from Kent Police on the increase of dog theft or attempted thefts in Kent over the past week.

Cases have increased by 33% in the South East since 2018 - with 163 incidents reported within the last year. Demand for dogs have skyrocketed in lockdown and prices have soared as a result.

Organised crime is exploiting this situation by smuggling puppies from abroad and stealing dogs across the UK. Dog thefts are now at an all-time high, with puppies stolen for an immediate resale and adult dogs being taken for forced breeding on puppy farms.

What to do:
Keep your dogs safe by following these simple steps:

Safe - secure your property and garden.
Spottable - Keep your dogs in sight and train them to return to you.
Searchable - Know what steps to take if they go missing.

Read more from Dogs Trust on keeping your pet safe.

Report any information about a stolen dog or suspicious behaviour to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call the Police on 101.

Please warn family members, friends and neighbours.

Report it

Find out about how scammers may be trying to target you and your family during the Coronavirus pandemic. We can all be vulnerable to these criminals and the best way to protect yourself is to make sure you are aware. KCC Public protection have created a page that lists scams that are using the Pandemic to target you.

Forward

You can view our Privacy Notice at any time. It explains what personal data we hold about you, how we collect the data and how we may use and share information about you. We are required to give this information under the data protection law.

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
Consumer Advice scam s action line on 0808 250 5050
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

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