NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch has launched the Protect Your Pooch campaign in response to the increased fear of pet theft.

The campaign will run on social media from May 17 - 30 but those who do not use social media can support the campaign by displaying a poster which can be found at: www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch , in their community, or by attending the online Dog Theft webinar on May 27 at 5pm. 

The webinar will be led by Neighbourhood Watch Network with speakers from the Met Police and Crimestoppers, as well as special guest speaker Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex.

The campaign encourages people to keep their pets secure, in sight and searchable, and to help make pet theft a specific criminal offence. 

The met police and crimestoppers are backing the “secure, in sight and searchable” message. 

More information on the campaign can be found at: www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch . 

You can support the campaign by acting on the advice and sharing our messages in the following ways:

Some top tips to help keep your dog safe and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of dog theft.

Pets are easily stolen from a garden when left unattended, even if for just a few minutes. Front gardens are very vulnerable. Fit a bell or gate alarm to any rear or side gates; the gates should be secured with British Standard locks, locking bolts or closed shackle padlocks.

Secure your garden boundary to prevent your dog from escaping or a thief from reaching in and taking your dog out.

As well as a lock, consider fitting a bell or small alarm to outside kennels to warn you of any tampering.

Be particularly careful of sharing or publicly posting on social media details of where you live, the type of dog you have and where you walk.

Never leave your dog unattended in a car – especially on warm days – as it is not just dangerous for their health but allows them to be easily targeted by thieves.

Leaving your dog alone outside a shop is another easy opportunity for a thief, even if you are only away for a minute.

It’s important your dog will return when called; if it is not trained to do this, be very careful of allowing them off the lead, especially in unfamiliar areas. You may wish to keep them on an extending lead instead.

Varying the times and routes you take when walking your dog.

Be careful of strangers asking you a lot of questions when you are walking your dog – they could be distracting you to make it easy for them to steal your dog.

If you need to use a dog walking service or kennels, make sure you check references carefully to ensure the offer is genuine or the company is trusted.

Make sure your dog is microchipped and the details are correct on any of the recognised pet registration databases. Your dog must be microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old. For further information about the process and potential databases visit: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped. 

Fit your dog with a collar; the tag on the collar should have a contact number and your surname, not the name of the dog.

Make sure you take pictures of your dog from various angles, especially if they have distinctive markings or features. A further photo of you with your dog can help to prove ownership. Taking photos of your dog in various conditions can also help, such as with a groomed coat or an untidy one.

And what about the law?

At present, dog theft is not defined as a specific crime, with dogs classed as “property" under the Theft Act 1968. 

If caught, the penalty for stealing pets is generally a small fine or suspended sentence, with the Pet Theft Reform campaign reporting that in recent years only 1per cent of dog theft crimes have led to a prosecution.?The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has said that she will review pet theft, with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators. 

You can help by signing the petition to make dog theft a criminal offence at : https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/560216/signatures/new .

By letting others know about the issue we have more opportunity to keep dogs safe all across the country.