Updated
Wednesday, 26th May 2021, 5:28 pm
More dogs were reported stolen in Bedfordshire last year, figures reveal, amid an apparent rise in dognappings nationally.
Animal welfare charities have welcomed a move by the Government to crack down on the despicable crime, with a new pet theft taskforce set to investigate a rise in snatchings across the UK.
Figures obtained through a freedom of information request reveal Bedfordshire Police recorded 20 dog thefts in the year ending March 31.
Dognappings are on the rise nationally
That was up from 17 the previous year, and five in 2018-19.
The figures cover the number of dog thefts reported to police, but not the number of animals stolen.
Dog thefts on the rise in the North East
northumberlandgazette.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from northumberlandgazette.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Dog thefts have increased across the Humberside Police force area, new figures show
bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.