Disturbing rise in stolen dogs prompts call for special pet theft task force in Milton Keynes

The task force would be made up of the local police, Council, pet charities, vets, and local community representatives, and would be assigned with raising awareness of pet theft and seeking out ways to reverse the rising trend in animal crime.

Already Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Matthew Barber has given his backing to the local Tories to create MK’s first such task force taskforce should the Conservatives take control of MK Council in May’s local elections.

The commitment comes amid a huge upsurge in the number of people looking to purchase puppies during lockdown. The increase in demand has seen the price of a puppy double with dogs costing almost £1,900 on average,with popular breeds selling for £3,000 or more.

Data from animal charity Doglost showed pet thefts have risen 170 per cent since 2019 across the UK.

The problem has become so endemic that the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, this week pledged to look at measures to tackle pet thefts and “go after” the thieves that are profiting from the increase in demand.

Ms Patel said: “This is a very serious issue… it’s absolutely horrible, quite frankly. We are definitely looking into what kind of measures can be put in place in terms of the criminality.”

MK Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Alex Walker, said: “Dog theft is a heart-breaking crime. The fact that cases of pet theft are rising across the country is extremely concerning. We have had dozens of residents from MK raise it with us and tackling it needs to be a top priority.

“That’s why we are committed to establishing MK’s first pet theft task force. We want to bring together the police, charities, businesses, and pet owners to seek ways to reduce the levels of pet theft and raise awareness of this horrible crime. We will also fund additional CCTV.”

Thames Valley Police, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate Matthew Barber, said: "As a dog owner myself I know the incredible bond between families and their pets. The huge spike in dog thefts during lockdown is truly alarming and we must stop this cruel black-market trade.

"I fully support the initiative to set up a taskforce to tackle the issue in Milton Keynes.”

Meanwhile pet charity Blue Cross reports that 38 per cent of animals reported lost have been stolen. Sadly, more than half of them are never found.

A spokesperson said: "Overwhelming demand has turned dogs and puppies into commodities with people prepared to pay serious money for them. Criminals have been cashing in any way they can on this surge in prospective owners looking for new pets, and individuals or organised groups could potentially steal any dog, no matter how old, if they think they could make some profit from it.

She added: “We can’t stress enough how owners need to keep a close eye on their dog when they’re out and about.”