South Yorkshire dog owners "terrified" after surge in thefts during lockdown
Police are urging people to be extra vigilant
Last updated 11th Mar 2021
We're told dog owners across South Yorkshire are terrified to take them on walks, as thefts soar across the county during lockdown.
Police here say they've investigated 63 incidents of the pets being stolen since last July and are urging people to stay vigilant.
There have been a number of high profile thefts but also dozens of people on social media saying they've been victims, with Facebook groups being set up to help owners keep their dogs safe.
Paul Sims' springer spaniel Lola was stolen from her kennel near Doncaster almost 2 weeks ago:
"I was out at work, got back home and the padlock was broken off the dog kennel where she lives. I was devastated to see my dog had been stolen - very upset. It breaks your heart.
"I've not been eating, I've not been sleeping, I've not been going to work because I can't sleep. Just not knowing where she is and what she's doing is upsetting me.
"It's getting harder every day and every hour of the day. It upsets me going home to see the kennel where she did live. It's very angry and upsetting that you don't know where your dog is."
Dog owners are helping each other stay safe on Facebook by posting in groups about suspicious people they think are involved in snatching them.
Lisa Hague's from Dinnington near Rotherham - she tells us her dog Hunter was almost taken from her front yard:
"He was running about and playing near our gates at the front of the house. A silver car came in front of our gates, two men got out of it, middle aged, and they came to open the gates where Hunter was and saw my partner so shut the gates and drove off.
"It was quite frightening really. Luckily we are always outside with our dogs, we don't leave them outside on their own. But we check the gates continously every day. It's really frightening.
"A lot of my friends on Facebook are actually frightened now to walk their dogs. Either they're not walking them at all or they're taking something with them or walking with a friend. It's a sad world that we live in now that you've got to be scared to walk your dogs."
South Yorkshire Police are reassuring people they're actively carrying out enquiries linked to dog theft and attempted dog theft. They're urging people to report suspicious incidents to them.
The Dog's Trust have given us the following tips to help people keep their dogs safe:
• Many dogs are taken from homes and gardens every year so making sure your gardens are secure along with our homes, is a priority for dog owners. Ideally a dog shouldn’t be left on their own in the garden.
• Never leave your dog unattended when you’re out and about and always keep them in sight.
• Make sure they are trained to come back to you, however distracted they might be.
• Ensure your dog is microchipped. Having your dog microchipped, and keeping your contact details up to date, gives you the best chance of having your dog returned to you if the worst happens.
Vicki Baker works for Adoptapaws dog rescue in Rotherham who have started giving out safety packs to adopters.
She says the recent rise in thefts has really shaken people's confidence:
"More and mre people are saying that they're not going to take their dogs for walks as regularly. They are sticking to main roads and local walks rather than going to their local park because they need people to be around. So it's really affecting people's confidence.
"Stick to busier times of the day, carry a personal attack alarm and some red dye spray gel. And just to be alert and take notice of what's happeneing around them. Have 999 on speed dial, if they see anything suspicious report it."
There's more advice from South Yorkshire Police on how to avoid being a victim of dog theft here.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Lola please call 07885549399 or 07808126725.