• In 2016 there were 1,774 reported dog thefts in the UK – five every single day
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most stolen breed of dog but thefts of French Bulldogs and Pugs have increased significantly in recent years
• Only one in five dogs reported stolen are ever recovered
   

In 2016 1,774 dogs were stolen in the UK, equating to almost five dogs every single day, new analysis by Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals1. The analysis of thefts reported to UK police forces found there was a 19 per cent increase on the number of dogs stolen in 2016 compared to 2014, when 1,491 thefts were reported.

The police forces which recorded the highest number of dog thefts last year were the Metropolitan Police (231), West Yorkshire Police (208) and Greater Manchester Police (168). The forces with the lowest number of reported dog thefts in 2016 were North Wales Police (0), Northamptonshire Police (9) and Surrey Police (11).
 

Table one: The ten police forces with highest number of dogs reported as stolen in 2016

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2017
 

Hope is not lost for all stolen dogs as some owners are fortunate enough to find their dogs abandoned by thieves or have their dog safely returned by the police. Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire Police were the forces which returned the highest number of stolen dogs to their owners in 2016, at 37 each, closely followed by Warwickshire and West Mercia (30) and South Yorkshire Police (30).

Additional research by the insurer2 found that the actual number of dogs stolen is much greater than the amount of cases reported to the police. 1.5 million adults (three per cent) say they have had a dog stolen from their care in the last five years. Of these, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) had the animal stolen from their garden, while 11 per cent  claim to have had their dog stolen from their home and a further 11 per cent whilst out on a walk.

Nearly a quarter of dog owners (22 per cent) never take their dog off the lead in order to reduce the likelihood of their pet being stolen, while a fifth (18 per cent) admit to never letting their dog out of their sight. Two fifths of dog owners (41 per cent), however, claim they do not take any measures to protect their pet from theft, preferring them to have the freedom to run around.

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “Having your dog stolen is extremely distressing, especially when it happens from within your own home. Simple measures like locking doors and keeping the property secured will help deter thieves. Pedigree dog owners should be particularly vigilant as these dogs can often fetch thousands of pounds and have certain characteristics to make it easier for thieves to spot them. If the worst was to happen, owners should make sure they report it to the police immediately and spread the word within their local community.”

Over the last three years the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been the most stolen breed of dog, with 634 thefts reported to police forces across the country between 2014 and 2016. Chihuahuas are the second most stolen dog breed (143), followed by Jack Russell Terriers (111) but both have seen significantly fewer thefts than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
 

Table two: The ten most stolen breeds of dogs, 2014-2016

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2017
 

There has been a sharp increase in the thefts of French Bulldogs reported over the last three years, rising from eight in 2014 to 24 in 2016 (three times more), while the theft of pugs has risen from four to 36 (eight times more) over the same period. The rise in popularity of these breeds among celebrities like Lady Gaga, David Beckham and Paris Hilton may be partially responsible for their price tag of £1,500 upwards per puppy as well as the increase in the number being targeted by thieves. 

Prit Powar continued: “It is perhaps unsurprising that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the dog most often reported stolen, given it is one of the most common dog breeds in the UK. What is more interesting is the rise in the number of flat faced dogs being stolen, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs as this represents a significant trend in ownership of these designer breeds. While we understand the desire to own these breeds, those who do may want to take extra caution when out walking their dogs as their high price tag can make them a target for potential thieves.”
 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1 Direct Line Pet Insurance’s analysis of data supplied in response to a Freedom of Information Act request issued to the UK’s police forces. 42 of 44 (95 per cent) police forces responded to the request, of which 34 were able to provide usable data.

 

2 Research conducted by Opinium amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,004 adults completed between 11-13 April 2017
 

For further information please contact:
 

Thomas  Withington

Direct Line

[email protected]

 01651 831 964

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com