Almost 100,000 thefts of catalytic converters have been recorded in three years, with criminals across the UK stealing 75 per day in 2022, new data obtained by Sky News reveals.
Greater Manchester Police understands there is concern over increased dog theft incidents across the UK.
Despite a Government Pet Theft Taskforce being launched yesterday (Saturday) to investigate the recent reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown, the Force is keen to reassure people that dog thefts are uncommon in Greater Manchester and to stress that all reports and information received around the subject are taken seriously.
While officers have had reports of some dog thefts, they don’t believe there has been a significant increase over the past year, which is in line with other forces.
There is, however, an increase in social media activity around dog thefts which is causing communities to become concerned.
Dog owners encouraged to report thefts after increase in social media posts about dogs being stolen Date published: 07 May 2021
The Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has provided some helpful advice on how to keep your pet safe
Greater Manchester Police is encouraging people to report any information relating to dog thefts, or attempted thefts, due to rising social media concerns about dogs being stolen.
The force says that whilst it has received ‘some’ reports of dog thefts, it doesn’t believe there has been a significant increase over the past year, which is in line with other forces across the UK. It does however say there has been an increase in social media activity about dogs being stolen, which is causing communities to become concerned.
GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) says dog thefts in the region are uncommon – but is looking into updating its reporting system to check if it can monitor the crime. During the pandemic, prices of dogs have soared leading to criminals stealing beloved pets across the country with charities such as DogLost reporting a large increase in thefts. But GMP said it does not believe there has been a significant increase over the past year, in line with other forces . Instead the force said there has been an increase in social media activity around dog thefts, which is causing communities to become concerned .