Pet theft worries for dog owners

MELKSHAM dog owners are encouraging others to be vigilant and aware of potential dog thieves after what they say has been “a rise in suspicious activity”.

Local dog owners have shared experiences of being followed whilst walking their dog, and incidents of being photographed by strangers.

And a report of an attempted theft of a dog in Corsham last month has raised concern that dog thieves could be operating in the area.

However, Wiltshire Police has explained that whilst dog owners should remain vigilant, so far this year they have received no reports of dogs being physically stolen anywhere in Swindon or Wiltshire.

But local dog owners remain concerned. One dog owner told Melksham News, “We had a lady on our street who thought someone was trying to steal her dog. She managed to get down somebody’s drive and out that way, and then phone family to come and pick her up – she was in such a state.

“Something needs to be done! It’s absolutely horrendous to imagine having your dog taken and not know what has happened to it. The police are saying it is rare, but nothing could be further from the truth. And people are still leaving their dogs tied up outside shops and alone in cars. Many of the dogs stolen will be abused. It is horrific.” 

Melksham dog owners are also considering starting a group, so people can meet up for dog walks.

“This should make it safer,” said a dog owner. “We have to work out how to do it, as we do not want to let potential dog thieves have info about where we are meeting up.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police told Melksham News, “We know there is concern amongst dog owners locally following reports on social media about attempted thefts of pets.

“So far in 2021 we haven’t received any reports of dogs being physically stolen anywhere in Swindon or Wiltshire.

“Between December 2019 and December 2020 we received a total of 26 reports relating to thefts, attempted thefts, and/or suspicious activity that could be perceived as a pre-cursor to an attempted theft of a dog. Of these, eight involved a dog physically being taken.

“While we don’t want people to panic or worry unnecessarily, we would continue to remind everyone to be vigilant and ensure their dogs are locked inside or kept in safe and secure kennels overnight.

“Also, we would always urge dog owners to report suspicious activity to us via 101 or our website, so these can be investigated and we can build up an intelligence picture of potential issues in a particular area.”