Dog thefts in the UK have now hit a seven-year high as London was revealed to be the worst hit area.
As many as 2,760 dogs were stolen last year, figures compiled by Direct Line Pet Insurance show, a 16 per cent since rise since 2015.
Figures revealed under the Freedom of Information Act show the most likely breeds to be targeted are French Bulldogs, costing more than £3,000, followed by Jack Russell Terriers and other small dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs.
London was the hardest hit area in the country with 422 thefts reported to the Met, followed by West Yorkshire and then Kent.
With around 3.8 million people getting a dog during the pandemic demand has made them a lucrative target for criminal gangs.
It comes after the family of a stolen poodle have said they will “never give up” looking for her despite police closing their case.
CCTV captured the moment Smalia, a nine-month-old brown poodle, was wrapped in a coat and bundled into a grey saloon by a thief wearing a face mask and baseball cap.
The dognappers struck moments after her owner Gintare Bajalyte, 36, had parked her shop’s delivery van in a cash-and-carry car park in Eley Road, Edmonton.
A week later she claimed police told her they were closing the case due to a lack of evidence.
Ms Bajalyte told the Standard: “We provided the police with a car registration I asked if they checked it out. But they said they don’t have enough evidence to knock on doors.
“My personal opinion is they are not taking it seriously enough and that is why it continues to happen. It was so tough to hear they were closing the case. I cried for hours. It is only people on Facebook and our friends that help us look for her.
“I can see on Facebook groups how many dogs go missing every day. We will never give up, we are stronger on this every day. When I wake up my first thought is to let her out or to have coffee together with her on my lap like we used to.
“We still leave her food out and change her water every day. My family is not losing hope that we will get her back.”
Madeline Pike, a 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.”
New owners should be careful to see the mother when purchasing a puppy, never leave them tied up outside shops or unattended in cars, she warned.
She added: “It’s also vital to keep microchipping contact details up to date in case your dog does go missing and is handed in.”
Anyone who witnessed the theft or who has information about the whereabouts of the dog that was stolen should call 101 with the reference 5208887/22.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Smaila you can make contact with the owners by clicking here.
