Dog theft on the up in 2023

• 2,290 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2023, a six per cent increase on 2022
• Just one in six (16 per cent) stolen dogs were found and returned successfully, the lowest level since Direct Line started tracking data in 2015
• English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and XL Bullys were the most frequently stolen breeds
• London is the dog theft capital with the Met Police reporting 359 dogs stolen, followed by Kent Police (138) and West Yorkshire (125)

New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance¹ revealed an estimated 2,290 dogs were reported stolen across the UK in 2023, the equivalent of six per day. The number of dogs stolen increased by six per cent compared to the 2,160 dogs reported stolen in 2022.

English Bulldogs were found to be the most stolen breed of 2023, with the number doubling exactly (100 per cent) year on year. French bulldogs came in at a close second, although the number stolen decreased by 37 per cent.

Given English Bulldogs and Frenchies can sell for up to £3,000, criminals can secure large sums for these animals which is why prospective owners should be encouraged to obtain their pets from a reputable breeder. Most notably, XL Bullys went from not featuring on the list of most stolen breeds, to third on the list, with 37 cases reported in 2023.

Table one: The ten most stolen dog breeds in 2023

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2024 

Sadly, the number of dogs successfully returned to their owners has decreased by 36 per cent year on year, with just one in six (16 per cent) returned. This is the lowest level of successful returns since Direct Line started tracking the data in 2015. The drastic decrease in dogs being returned highlights the need for owners to take preventive measures to ensure the identification of their dogs is up to date.

Regional police force data

With 359 dog thefts reported by the Metropolitan Police in 2023 alone, London once again secured the title of ‘Dog Theft Capital of the UK’, having topped the list ever since Direct Line began analysing theft rates in 2015. Kent Police saw the second largest number of reported thefts with 138 dogs stolen in 2023, while West Yorkshire came a close third with 125 dogs stolen. Gloucestershire Constabulary and Surrey Police reported two thefts, the lowest of all police jurisdictions. 

Table two: The top 10 police forces for reports of stolen dogs in 2023

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2024 

Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, commented: “It is saddening to see the increase in dog thefts this year, these statistics don’t show the heartbreak and anxiety faced by owners across the country who have lost a loved one. For pet owners it can feel like a member of the family has been ripped away if their dog is stolen. We continue to see the same breeds targeted by thieves year on year, so owners of these animals should be especially vigilant.”

Beverley Cuddy, Editor of Dogs Today magazine, Patron of Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, and Founder of The Bark Angel, added: “Sadly, dog theft is still very attractive to callous thieves, with these figures showing a 6 per cent increase in 2023. Shockingly, almost three quarters of pet owners didn’t get their stolen pets back.

“The Theft Act still treats this crime as no more significant than the theft of a mobile phone - so all our pets are at increased risk of abduction. We can make it harder for impulsive criminals by never leaving our dogs tied up outside shops and protecting them when at home with statistics showing most are stolen from our own gardens.”

Ways to protect your dog from theft

1.       Make sure your dog is microchipped and that you keep your contact details up to date

2.       Your dog should always wear an ID tag with your name and address on it – we recommend not putting your pet’s name on the collar as it will make it easier for thieves to lure them in

3.       Beware of strangers asking you questions about your dog, bending down to stroke them or appearing overly friendly and/or curious

4.       Never leave your dog tied up outside a shop, even if it’s just to pop in to buy a carton of milk

5.       Do not leave your dog alone in a car at any time – not only can this lead to overheating but thieves can and will break into vehicles

6.       Avoid walking your dog late at night whilst on your own, if this isn’t possible stay aware of your surroundings

Steps to follow if your dog has been stolen

1.       Firstly, check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots in case they have wondered off

2.       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 descriptions of any distinctive markings or personality traits

3.       There are some specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk

4.       Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible

5.       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

6.       Report your dog to the microchip database and make sure your contact details are kept up to date

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

1.       Direct Line submitted a freedom of information request to all UK police forces.  All but two (95%) responded, although some forces weren’t able to provide data for their force area. To estimate the total number of stolen dogs across the UK a calculation based on the number of dogs stolen per 10,000 people (0.33) was applied to the number of people in the police force areas that were unable to provide data. The average return rate of police forces that did provide data was applied to calculate the number of dogs returned across all forces.

2.       UK Pet Population | UK Pet Food – household dog ownerships, according to UK Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).

Direct Line Group

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

[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 https://www.directline.com/products/pet-insurance