Witness appeal after man tries to steal dog in Waverley
Police are appealing for information after a man tried to steal a dog in Dunsfold.
The victim was walking his dog on Sunday morning (22 May) in the woodland around Burningfold when another man approached him asking to stroke the dog.
He then tried to take the animal by force assaulting the owner in the process but both the victim and the dog were able to get away.
The suspect is described as a White man in his mid-40s. He is about 5’10” tall with a stocky build and black hair and was wearing a red t-shirt and black shorts.
Police are looking for anyone who might have seen this man in the area around Plaistow Road or Burningfold between about 9am and 9.45am on Sunday to get in touch.
The What3Words location is COVERTLY.GIANTS.UNROLL
Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police quoting PR/4520054077.
If you do not wish to speak to police, you can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Officers would like to reassure residents that dog theft is still a rare occurrence in Surrey.
They have issued the following advice to keep our four legged friends safe:
• Be aware of your surroundings: know where you are, who’s around you, and where your dog is when out walking.
•I f you let your dog off the lead, practice their recall so they will return to you straight away if called.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended outside in the garden, the car, or outside shops if possible.
• If you have concerns for your safety or your dog’s safety on a walk, consider walking in daylight or with other people if possible. If you cannot do this and are worried about walking alone, we recommend investing in a personal safety alarm.
• Please do not carry anything that can be used as a weapon. We have heard of dog owners purchasing objects such as dye sprays to use in self-defence if attacked. We strongly advise against this. Dye sprays can still potentially cause physical harm, and if you carry it with the intent to use it as a weapon, you could be committing an offence.
• Take plenty of clear photos of your pet (not hard for most animal lovers!), remembering to include any distinctive markings. This can help identify them and prove your ownership of them if they are lost or stolen and recovered later.