Dognapping has hit a four-year high in the UK, with nearly 2,000 dogs stolen last year, according to new figures from Direct Line. The data reveals that pugs and French bulldogs are among the most sought-after breeds by thieves, with thefts of pugs rising by 500% and French bulldogs by 13% compared to the previous year.
English bulldogs saw a staggering 633% increase in thefts, while chihuahuas also became more popular targets, with a 18% rise. However, Staffordshire bull terriers, once the most stolen breed, saw a 49% decline in thefts, with 88 reported cases in 2018 compared to 172 in 2017.
The Metropolitan Police dealt with the highest number of cases, handling 304 dog thefts in 2018, a 30% increase from the previous year. West Yorkshire Police recorded 179 cases, while Greater Manchester Police dealt with 161. Humberside Police saw a 167% surge in dognapping, with 147 incidents.
Despite the high number of thefts, less than a fifth of stolen dogs were reunited with their owners. Suffolk Police had the best success rate, returning 85% of stolen dogs, while Nottinghamshire Police managed only 6%.
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “It is heart-breaking to see there are still so many dogs stolen each year and the numbers are continuing to rise. Dogs are a huge part of the family, so it causes real distress and trauma when they are stolen. Owners of popular designer breeds should be particularly vigilant.”
