POLICE are urging pet owners to be vigilant after reports of dog thefts.

This morning police issued an appeal to find a missing three-year-old King Charles Spaniel which was stolen from a back garden in Newton-le-Willows.

Commenting on the issue, Detective Inspector Tony O'Brien said: “We take the theft of dogs incredibly seriously, and we understand the significant psychological impact it can have on pet owners.

“While the profile of dog theft has been raised via social media in recent years, dog theft offences remain relatively low across Merseyside. The demand for dogs as pets is reported to have risen sharply since the first lockdown in 2020, yet the number of dog thefts locally remained the same last year as in 2019.

“In recent years, key locations for dog thefts have included outside kennels, gardens and dog breeders’ homes, and we would urge all dog owners to be vigilant, make sure you know where your dogs are and take appropriate precautions to keep them safe. Thankfully, police witness appeals have seen a number of dogs returned to their owners, thanks also to the support of local media and members of the public.

“Our robust and targeted initiative Operation Castle has seen burglaries fall across Merseyside over the last three years. Working with partners and within our communities, we work proactively to help prevent burglaries from occurring, with increased patrols on the streets of burglary hotspots, and messaging to help residents protect themselves from being a victim of burglary.

“We act on all information given to us, and we encourage anyone who has had a dog stolen to report it to us and tell us anything you know, in confidence, to help us bring the offenders to justice and reunite you with your dog.”

Some simple advice for preventing dog theft:

1. Before buying a dog, check the person you are buying from

2. Make sure your dog is microchipped and keep the number and database contact number in your phone

3. Make sure your dog has a collar on with a name and address

4. Do not leave dogs unattended in a public place or car

5. If your dog does not come back when called, keep them on a lead

6. Secure your garden

7. Don’t advertise your dog on social media

8. Be vigilant about strangers asking questions about your dog

9. Consider varying the route you walk and the time at which you walk

10. If your dog is stolen, report it to the police and inform a dog warden