Dog owners in London are most likely to have their pet stolen, with the capital recording the most thefts in the UK for the ninth year in a row.
The Metropolitan Police recorded 359 dog thefts in 2023, an analysis of police data by Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed.
The figure is a slight decrease compared to 2022, when 396 dog thefts were recorded by the force, although the figure has risen nationally.
Bulldogs were the most popular breeds to be stolen in the capital last year.
Data shows that 56 American bulldogs and 21 French bulldogs were stolen, as well as five British bulldogs.
Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Huskies, Pugs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were among the breeds stolen in the capital last year.
Behind London, Kent Police recorded 138 dog thefts and West Yorkshire Police recorded 125 thefts.
Across the UK 2,290 dogs were stolen in 2023, a six per cent increase on 2022.
Direct Line found just one in six stolen dogs were found and returned successfully, the lowest figure since the insurance company started tracking data in 2015.
English Bulldogs were found to be the most stolen breed of 2023 nationally and notably, XL Bullies went from not featuring on Direct Line’s list of most stolen breeds to being third, with 37 cases reported in 2023.
English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are advertised for around £3,000 meaning criminals can make large sums from the money, the insurance company said.
Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “It is saddening to see the increase in dog theft 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 year on year the same breeds being targeted for thieves, so owners of these animals should be especially vigilant.”
