• The number of dogs stolen in 2021 rose 13 per cent to a record high of 2,760, the equivalent of eight dogs stolen every day
• French Bulldogs and Jack Russell Terriers were the most targeted breeds in 2021
• London was the dog theft capital, with the Met Police reporting 422 dogs stolen, followed by West Yorkshire (199) and Kent Police (182)
• Norfolk Constabulary had the greatest success at returning dogs – reuniting 86 per cent with their owners

The number of dogs stolen in the UK has reached a seven-year high, reveals new research¹ from Direct Line Pet Insurance. In 2021, the number of dogs stolen rose by 13 per cent² across the UK to 2,760, the highest levels since Direct Line started analysing theft rates in 2015³.

This means 53 dogs were stolen every week last year, nearly eight every day. This is 321 more than in 2020 and 611 more than in 2019, when Direct Line recorded the lowest rate of dog thefts (2,148). Since 2015, the number of dogs reported stolen across the country has risen by 16 per cent.

French Bulldogs were the most stolen breed in 2021 and saw a 29 per cent rise compared to the number stolen in 2020. Jack Russell’s came in second, with the number stolen last year more than doubling (140 per cent) compared to the year before. Other small dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs were also popular targets.

With 16 million⁴ people now owning a dog, 3.8 million of whom took ownership during the pandemic, the opportunities for thieves are more abundant than ever.  The past couple of years has also led to a rise in the cost of dogs, making them a more lucrative target for criminals. This is particularly the case for pedigrees like French Bulldogs, the dog most likely to be stolen this year, which can cost upwards of £3,000.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which were last year’s most popular target for thieves, saw an 88 per cent reduction in 2021 pushing them down to seventh. Crossbreeds such as Cockerpoos and Puggles have also fallen in popularity, from second in 2020 to 10^th in 2021.

Table one:  Most stolen dog breeds, 2021

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2022

Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance said: “It’s devastating to see the number of dogs stolen continues to increase across the country. Unfortunately, the increase in dog ownership since the pandemic began and the subsequent rise in prices of these animals seems to make the crime even more appealing to thieves. The law will soon recognise dogs as members of the family with feelings, not just owned property and we hope that this will deter criminals, especially if they can be punished more severely if prosecuted.

“Anyone considering buying a dog should thoroughly check its provenance and see the dog with its mother, to ensure they’re not buying from a criminal organisation. And taking simple precautions such as not leaving your dog tied up outside a shop, left inside an empty car or keeping it on the lead when in busy areas, will help reduce the likelihood of being targeted. It’s also vital to keep microchipping contact details up to date in case your dog does go missing and is handed in.”

Regional police force data

London once again saw the highest number of dog thefts last year of any region and single police force. The Metropolitan Police Service reported 422 incidents and accounted for 15 per cent of all dogs stolen. The Metropolitan Police Service saw reports increase a third (32 per cent) in 2021 compared to 2020, when 318 dogs were reported stolen.

On an individual police force level, West Yorkshire Police came in second, recording 199 reports of stolen dogs in 2021, nearly two thirds (59 per cent) more than in 2020, (125). Kent Police came in third, receiving reports about 182 stolen dogs in 2021, a 54 per cent rise on the number in 2020 (118). Lancashire Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police complete the top five forces for stolen dog reports in 2021, receiving 116 and 100 reports respectively.

Table two:  Top 10 police forces for reports of stolen dogs, 2021

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2022

The police forces which received the fewest number of stolen dog reports in 2021 were Lincolnshire and Surrey Police, with just 10 dogs reported stolen in each constabulary. Leicestershire (11), Suffolk (12) and South Wales (16) also received very few reports of stolen dogs last year.

In more positive news for owners, the number of dogs returned also reached a record high last year, with 617 stolen dogs found and returned. This is a 19 per cent increase compared to 2020, when 519 dogs were returned. Norfolk Constabulary reunited the greatest proportion of dogs with owners, returning 25 out of the 29 reported stolen, an 86 per cent success rate. Dorset Police reunited 14 of 17 dogs (82 per cent) and Derbyshire Constabulary reunited 37 out of 48 (77 per cent).  

Steps to follow if your dog has been stolen:

• Firstly, check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots in case the dog has wandered off 
• Engage the local community and make your dog ‘too hot to handle’ by sharing with local groups, putting up posters, informing local media and using social media – include pictures and any distinctive marks
• There are some specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk
• Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible
• Report your dog as stolen to local pet related services like vets, animal shelters, pet shops, dog wardens and the council. Provide photos, a physical description and the dogs microchip number
• Report your dog to the microchip database and make sure your contact details are up to date

 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹        Freedom of Information Act request made to all 45 Police Forces across the UK in January 2021, of which 35 (78%) responded with usable data. To estimate the total number of stolen dogs across the UK a calculation based on the national average number of dogs stolen and returned per 10,000 dogs (2.74 and 0.58 respectively) was applied to the number of dogs in the force areas that were unable to provide data.

²        2020 study took place in January 2021 when 37 of 45 (82%) of police forces responded to a FOIA request

³        The 2016 study covered the preceding three years, so data was collected for the most-stolen breeds for 2014, 2015 and 2016

⁴        Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,002 adults between 4^th and 8^th February 2022

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler
PR manager – Direct Line  

Tel: 01651 832 095

Email: [email protected]

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. U K 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 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/home-cover