24/02/2021
⚠️ 🐕 Dog owners given advice on keeping pets safe
We are offering advice to dog owners following concerns of an increase in dog theft.
Dog thefts in the county have remained relatively low, however we are aware concerns have increased. Dog owners and businesses that house dogs, such as kennels, are advised take extra care to keep them safe.
Inspector Nicki Dean, from our Crime Reduction Unit said: “Concerns have increased around dog thefts during lockdown as the demand for pets has grown.
“Whilst thefts in Hertfordshire have remained relatively low, across the country there has been growing concerns over the theft of dogs from homes and breeders kennels. Dog owners should join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch to get all the latest alerts and crime prevention advice: http://orlo.uk/ebyS7 .
There are simple steps you can take to keep your pet safe, such as never leaving your dog unattended when out and making areas at home your dog can access secure.”
• Ensure your dog is microchipped and registered with up to date information and has a collar and dog tag (use your surname rather than the dog’s name and your telephone contact details).
• Neutering your pet might ensure they don’t get targeted for breeding purposes, consider adding “I am neutered” tag to their collar.
• Take plenty of clear photographs of your pet and especially of any distinctive markings.
• When walking your pet, try different routes and keep your pet in sight at all times.
• Never leave a dog unattended in the garden, in the car or outside shops.
• Don’t give details of your pets, your location or your favourite walking spots on social media and make sure your security settings are set to friends only.
• When out, always know where your dog is. Be mindful of anyone who may be trying to distract your attention from your dog or attract your dog’s attention away from you.
• If your dog is stolen - report to Police on 101 and to your local authority dog warden if you have one in your area. Notify your microchip database provider immediately and add to http://orlo.uk/vae1X website or join their DogLost Hertfordshire Facebook group.
Join Hertfordshire’s Dog Watch Scheme for alerts and advice by visiting: http://orlo.uk/X6XZu .
You can report information by:
• 💻 Filling out our online reporting form at http://orlo.uk/aQb2H .
• 🗣 Speaking to an operator in our Force Communications Room via online web chat at http://orlo.uk/1k4Z7 .
• 📞 Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).
• ☎ Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting http://orlo.uk/PuBaL .
🔊 You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit 👉 http://orlo.uk/06Ez3 and tell us your thoughts.
