Dog owners are warned to be on their guard after a series of dog thefts across Cambridgeshire

Police are urging dog owners to be vigilant following a rise in thefts.

Over recent months the country has seen dog prices significantly increase, prompting concerns around a rise in theft. Since May, 17 dogs have been stolen from homes and kennels in Cambridgeshire.

The most recent was on Sunday July 12 when three dogs were taken from a kennel at home in Stretham. Thieves cut fencing to gain access.

Dogs have also been reported stolen from Bluntisham, Peterborough, Horningsea, Stow Cum Quy and Wilburton and an attempted theft in Haddenham.

Detective Inspector Chris O’Brien said: “Dogs are often part of the family and every theft is absolutely devastating for owners. With more people working from home and finding themselves with extra time, the demand for dogs has soared across the country.

“However, this has in turn resulted in huge increases in prices which has sadly led to criminals taking advantage of the situation by stealing dogs in an attempt to sell them on at a high price.”

It is thought the figure could be much higher with victims using lost dog websites to find their pets instead of reporting the thefts to police.

DI O’Brien added: “I would urge all owners to report stolen dogs to us. On some occasions we have found the dogs and been able to reunite them with their owners. Also take extra precautions to help deter thieves and protect your pets.”

Dog owners are advised to: Keep an ID tag on your dog at all times

Lock gates using bolts at the top and bottom, along with a heavy-duty padlock.

Ensure there are no places where dogs or other animals can escape or be pulled through, if they are left in a back garden.

Never leave your pet in the garden unattended

Fit a bell or gate alarm so it makes a sound when someone opens it

Purchase a driveway alarm so you are alerted to any visitors, these can also be used in rear gardens

Make sure your dog is microchipped and their details are updated so that they can be returned if they are stolen.

Avoid leaving a dog tied up outside a shop or left alone in a car, even for a few minutes

Take lots of photographs of your dog to prove ownership if it’s stolen and then found.

Report dog theft to police straight away.

Anyone with information about a stolen dog, or suspicious behaviour, can report it to police on 101 or online at cambs.police.uk

If your dog is stolen then it’s vital to report it to police but also consider:

Reporting the theft to your local authority dog warden and notify your microchip database provider.

Reporting the theft to www.doglost.co.uk or their Facebook page as they co-ordinate thefts for each county and offer advice and support.