Council Offers Police Support As Concern Mounts Over Dog Thefts

Harborough’s Community Safety team has teamed up with Police following a spate of dog thefts in the Hfm Region.

They have purchased scanning devices, to easily identify any dogs with microchips that are found and could be stolen, and are sharing advice in a bid to stop owners falling victim.

Thefts have increased nationally during the pandemic, as criminals seek to exploit the increasing numbers of people looking to buy a puppy or dog.

Simon Whelband, chair of the Harborough District Community Safety Partnership, is also advising against sharing information about pets on social media:

Leicestershire Police says it understands the concern that recent incidents may have caused among communities and ask that people remain vigilant and work with the police to identify those responsible.

Northamptonshire Police have issued advice for dog owners HERE

Sergeant Pete Jelbert from Market Harborough Police Station told Hfm people looking to buy a dog, can play their part too:

Dogs stolen recently, which are still missing, include five Bassett Hounds, taken from kennels in South Kilworth, a black Labrador stolen from a farm near Billesdon, Ruby, a Cocker Spaniel taken from Desborough and Cressy, also Springer Spaniel, was taken from Thorpe Underwood Farm near Rothwell.

Cressy was stolen from Amelia’s family farm and she told Hfm the impact has been devastating:

Anyone with information about the stolen dogs should call Leicestershire or Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Cressy, who was stolen from Thorpe Underwood Farm

The Bassett Hounds were stolen from South Kilworth

Ruby was stolen from Desborough

The Labrador stolen from near Billesdon