South Yorkshire MP issues warning over dog thefts and explains why homes may be targeted by crooks

Alexander Stafford, who has launched a petition calling for South Yorkshire Police to appoint a lead officer specifically to tackle the issue of dog theft, posted on Facebook that he was ‘horrified' to learn of a technique used by crooks to identify homes with dogs.

The Conservative MP, who represents the Rother Valley constituency, said he wrote his post after a conversation with with an Anston parish councillor, who alerted him to the issue after having spoken to the police.

Mr Stafford said: “I am horrified to learn that criminals are marking homes in and around the Anston area with chalk and paint to indicate whether there is a dog inside.

“I know that this is an incredibly frightening situation for residents and I have spoken with South Yorkshire Police about the urgent need to press on with investigating dog thefts in our community and apprehending the perpetrators.

“If you notice any unusual markings outside your home and you do own a dog, I would strongly recommend contacting South Yorkshire Police.

“We must have a dedicated response to dog thefts in Rother Valley; this state of affairs simply cannot be allowed to continue.

“That is why I am campaigning for a local Dog Theft Lead to be appointed here in South Yorkshire, as has been done recently in Nottinghamshire by their constabulary.”

There has been a rise in dog thefts nationally over the last year, with South Yorkshire Police recently revealing that 63 investigations had been launched since last July.

In two incidents in Sheffield, dog owners were threatened by armed criminals who stole their pups.

One man was threatened at gunpoint after making online arrangements to meet a potential buyer on Verdon Street, Burngreave, on Monday, February 22.

But when the owner and a friend turned up with Cane Corso and Rottweiler pups, a man pointed a gun through their car window while three others stole the dogs.

Two Cane Corsos and one Rottweiler were stolen, with another Rottweiler dropped by the thieves as they fled.

That same day, four Mastiff-Cane Corso crossbreeds were stolen from a flat on Smelter Wood Road, Richmond, when their owner was held up at knifepoint.

Insurance firm NFU Mutual has issued a warning that dogs left unsupervised in gardens could be at risk from ‘dognappers’ who are taking advantage of soaring prices for lockdown pets.

Rebecca Davidson, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “We’re hearing that some owners are no longer walking pets in remote locations, and others are changing their routines to protect their pets – but the threat to pets left unsupervised in gardens may not be appreciated by some.

“Although dog owners are on increasingly high alert for dog thieves when they are out, there’s a false sense of security when they’re at home. Fifteen percent say they leave their pet unattended in the garden for long periods of time, including when they are out at work. With one in six owners admitting their dog has escaped from home, it’s never been more important to keep your outdoor space secure and your dog in sight.”

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