Dog owners scared to walk their pets due to rise of kidnappings in lockdown

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Recommended Dog theft police lead appointed by force due to increase in crime during lockdown The online survey, organised by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, received 124,729 responses with a large majority saying dog theft was a “serious problem” and that thieves should face stiffer sentences. Dr Daniel Allen, an Animal Geographer at Keele University, who set up the Pet Theft Reform campaign with the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance in 2018, said: “The number of survey responses shows the extent to which the public are concerned about dog theft crime. Further research is needed to build the ‘evidence base’ and inform the response to dog theft moving forwards.” Holly Morgan, 26, from Nottingham, had her dog stolen in August 2019. Sussex PCC Ms Bourne said: “Police forces across the country need a ‘flag’ for reports of dog theft on their systems as currently it is extremely difficult to track this crime trend and put in place an appropriate police response.