Pet owners beware, these are the areas of the UK with the worst cases of pet theft. The study, carried out by security experts in ADT, looked at the number of animal thefts per 10,000 people to reveal the areas in which animals are in the most danger. The study also looked at data from previous years to determine the areas that saw the highest increase in pet thefts.
Cumbria takes first place, with a total of 406 animal thefts from 2019 to 2023. Despite its smaller population compared to more urban areas, this region shows a significantly higher number of animal thefts compared to its population Cumbria, however, sees a gradual decrease in pet thefts, from 85 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 50 in 2023.
Reporting 841 pet thefts, and a rate of 55.6 per 100,000 people, Lancashire is in second place for the UK region with the highest number of pet thefts. While it has more animal thefts overall than Cumbria, due to its larger population, Lancashire’s rate per 100,000 people puts it in second place. Lancashire’s total pet theft per 100,000 people is higher than in ADT’s 2022 Pet Theft Reportwhere it is in third place with a rate of 52.9
Covering Greater London, the Metropolitan Police area has the highest number of pet thefts at 4,350. However, adjusted for its large population, the rate per 100,000 people is lower and is in third place at 49.5. The figures show a sharp rise in pet thefts where the Greater London rate was just 39 per 100,000 people.
Regions with the highest rates of animal theft
Michele Bennett, general manager of ADT UK subscribersaid: “Theft of pets in the UK is becoming increasingly worrying, mainly because pets are often considered valuable members of the family. The increase in pet theft can be attributed to many factors, including the increase in demand for specific breeds, which can command high prices on the black market. This demand has been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic, which saw an increase in pet ownership as people sought companionship during lockdowns.
“However, the Government has taken steps to address these concerns. For example, the introduction of mandatory microchipping for dogs has been a significant step in deterring theft and helping to recover stolen animals. In addition, there have been discussions about updating the legislation to reflect the seriousness and impact of pet theft, potentially leading to harsher sentences for those convicted.
“Public awareness and education are also crucial in the fight against animal theft. Pet owners are advised to be vigilant, especially in areas where animal theft is prevalent. Simple measures, such as and not leaving pets unattended in public places, making sure gardens are secure, and being cautious about sharing information on social media can help reduce the risk of theft.
“By combining these practical steps with some trusted security products, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of pet theft and ensure the safety of their beloved pets.”
Here are some additional tips to keep your pet safe:
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Use Home Security Systems: Installation of a pet alarm can significantly prevent animal theft. Systems with CCTV camera can monitor your property, and the presence of such security measures can deter potential thieves.
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Smart doorbells and cameras: Smart doorbells and bedrooms allow you to monitor who approaches your home. These devices often have motion sensors and can send alerts to your phone, providing an extra layer of security.
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GPS Trackers: Consider equipping your pet with a GPS tracker. This can be particularly useful for animals that spend time outside, allowing you to monitor their situation in real time.
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Training and Awareness: Train your pet to respond to commands and not to go with strangers. This training can be a crucial factor in preventing animal theft.
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Safe Outdoor Spaces: Make sure your yard or any outdoor space where your pet spends time is safe. This includes fence control for spaces and installation locks we gate
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Regular Supervision: Never leave your pet unattended in public areas. For example, if you need to let your pet out of a grocery store, make sure they are in sight and return promptly is best.
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Verified Pet Sitters: Use verified pet sitters or kennels when you’re away.
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Beware of Social Media: Be careful how much information you share about your pet on social media, as this can attract the attention of thieves.
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Neighborhood Watch: Participate in or form a neighborhood watch program. Being part of a community that looks out for each other can effectively prevent animal theft.
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Update Pet Information: Keep your pet’s microchip information current, and make sure they are wearing a collar with an ID tag. This can help with recovery if your pet is lost or stolen.
