Croydon is ranked as having probably the most dog thefts of any London borough based on a latest survey that analysed knowledge from police forces throughout the capital.
Of 1,409 dog thefts in London over the previous 5 years, Croydon’s police drive reported probably the most with a complete of 71 based on the survey from cash.co.uk.
The second ranked borough was Lewisham with 67 stolen canines. Tower Hamlets and Hackney ranked fourth out of the London Boroughs with a reported whole of 59 dog thefts.
Croydon’s stolen canines greater than doubled this yr in comparison with figures in 2016, with the borough having a complete of 9 dog thefts in 2016 in comparison with 20 in 2020.
Commenting on the rise in dog thefts throughout the UK, David McNaught, the Dog Trust’s regional press officer stated: “While it is laborious to pinpoint precisely why dog theft has probably elevated through the pandemic, we do know that getting a pet throughout lockdowns has been extraordinarily common and that the associated fee of puppies has risen dramatically, particularly in breeds like French bulldogs who used to price round £800-£1000 and now demand costs in extra of £3000.”
In response to the rise in theft the Government responded with the introduction of a Pet Theft Taskforce to research the rise that came about because the begin of lockdown.
The taskforce, which was introduced May 8 by the Environment Secretary, will collect proof to grasp the elements which has contributed to the rise in stolen canines and discover appropriate strategies to sort out the issue.
George Eustice, the Environment Secretary stated: “Pet homeowners shouldn’t reside in concern so we’ve arrange this Taskforce to totally examine the problem and be sure that we’ve the measures in place to cease these criminals of their tracks.”
The Dogs Trust’s Chief Executive Owen Sharp stated of the taskforce: “Any motion to urgently sort out this rising problem is a step in the proper course, we hope the taskforce will take significant motion to finish the heartache homeowners endure when their pets are cruelly taken away from them.
The rise in thefts coincided with a spike in demand for canines throughout lockdown over the previous 12 months.
Data gathered by the Kennel Club, a well being and data organisation for canines discovered that between March and August 2020 the UK noticed a 161 per cent rise in pet searches on its web site in comparison with the identical interval in 2019. As demand rose so did costs – knowledge collected by canines belief discovered that the value for Chow Chows rose by 134 per cent – £2618 in October 2020 in comparison with £1,119 in March.
Louise Lee of the Blue Cross stated: “Dog theft has risen during the last yr between 170 – 250 per cent relying on which knowledge/reviews you learn… There has been a excessive demand for puppies, as most rescue centres have been closed, or with very strict entry to view canines.
“Prices due to this fact have risen steeply – some breeds 12/18 months in the past that have been £1200/1500 are actually fetching £4000+. Breeders have been cashing in on this and sadly the petty criminals have seen a manner of making straightforward cash.
“Many thefts are random opportunists, however there are additionally organised gangs which were stealing canines to order.”
