As many of you will already be aware there has been a worrying increase in dog thefts recently.
Below you can see todays news brief from Surrey Police - if you can help in any way with their investigations please contact them on the following numbers. If you could circulate this information to as many as possible that would be a real help.
Dear Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator/Dog Watch,
Please pass on to local dog owners.
Did you see or hear anything?
ALERT (Dogs Lost) – Two German Shepherds were being walked in woods when they did not return, despite an extensive search. Winterfold area on 30th Nov.
Quote P14344452
ALERT (Dog Lost) – A Black Labrador went missing from a field on a farm in the Alfold area 30th Nov. The owner reports seeing a suspicious grey VW van in the area. Quote P14343186
ALERT (Dog Lost) – A Border Collie went missing from a rural property in the Dunsfold area 28th Nov. Quote P14341773
ALERT (Suspicious Male) – A Neighbour Hood Watch Coordinator from the Badshot Lea area on 30th Nov reports a male asking questions about a dog walkers dog. It is thought that he was making enquiries and assessing the dog for a possible theft. The male was driving a white van KN53 WGU.
Previously reported:
ALERT (Theft of dogs) – Two working Cocker Spaniels were removed from rural Kennels in the Cranleigh area on 21st Nov. Following a social media appeal for information, and Police enquiries, Police are happy to report that both dogs were recovered, abandoned in the Guildford area. The dogs were alive and well.
ALERT (Attempted Theft of dogs) – A member of the public was walking their Labrador dog in the Winterfold area on 19th Nov, when a male in a white van pulled up and attempted to steal the dog by enticing it into his vehicle. It made off when approached by the dog owner. The van is described as white, with the rear door windows blacked out and possibly a Peugeot.
ALERT – Police have received other reports in the local area of dogs being exchanged for cash together with being ‘walked’ on a lead from a moving vehicle and being used in poaching – Bramley area.
Please be vigilant. Police are advising dog owners and kennels to keep their dogs safe.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped and that you keep your contact details up-to-date, especially if you move house or change your telephone number.
- Your dog should always wear a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it. This is a legal requirement when your dog is in a public place. Avoid putting your dog’s name on the disc.
- Take clear photographs of your dog from various angles, and update them regularly. Make a note of any distinguishing features.
- If you are not sure he will come back to you. If in doubt, use an extending lead, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area where your dog may get lost more easily.
- Beware of strangers asking you questions about your dog.
- Vary your times of walks and routes; some dogs are actually targeted and snatched during walks.
If you have any information relating to the above, please call 101,
quoting 45140098554 or the ref. numbers quoted above.
You can also call CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555111.
Please call 101 in a non-emergency.
If a crime is happening and for any other emergency always call 999.
Although in the low crime context, these areas are very safe we would ask all Dog Owners to remain vigilant.
Don’t forget to register your property for free on IMMOBILISE, www.immobilise.com