Dog theft hotspots revealed as cases continue to rise
Dog theft has become an alarming issue in the UK, with incidents skyrocketing by a staggering 170% since 2019. Over 25,000 pets have been reported missing since the beginning of 2023, with estimates showing that six pets vanish every day.
Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience. To uncover the hotspots, security experts at Locksmith Luton analysed missing pet data from trusted sources like Animal Search UK and Pets Reunited, to determine which towns and cities have the highest rates of missing pets over the past 12 months, revealing the areas where pet owners should be extra vigilant in protecting their furry companions.
Key findings:
Manchester tops the risk list, with 17 missing pet cases per 10,000 residents, averaging 236 incidents last year.
Scottish cities are among the safest with four locations featuring in the top 10 low-risk areas for missing pets.
Locksmith Luton shared four expert tips every pet owner should know to keep pets from going missing.
10 areas in the UK where your pets are most at risk of going missing
Rank
Location
Average number of reported missing pet cases
Number of reported missing pet cases per 10,000 people
1
Manchester
236.33
17.93
2
Huddersfield
59.67
12.01
3
Warrington
65.67
11.91
4
Bradford
102.00
10.22
5
Newcastle upon Tyne
61.33
9.56
6
Blackburn
39.00
7.99
7
Slough
41.33
7.57
8
Mansfield
41.33
7.21
9
Birmingham
209.33
6.38
10
Oxford
36.33
6.36
Number of reported missing pet cases was collected over the past 12 months.
Manchester tops the list with a jaw-dropping 236 reported cases of missing pets each year. That’s a shocking 17.93 pets disappearing for every 10,000 residents. Pet owners in the North West city should stay extra vigilant to keep their furry friends in their sights.
Huddersfield takes second place with an eye-watering 12.01 missing pets for every 10,000 people. While the average number of missing pets stands at 59 - nearly 75% fewer than Manchester - figures are still significant given the West Yorkshire town's population. In third place is the Cheshire town, Warrington, with a staggering 11.91 reported missing pet cases per 10,000 residents.
Another West Yorkshire town, Bradford, enters the top ten, in fourth place with an average of 102 reported missing pets over the last year, which equates to 10.22 cases per 10,000 people. Rounding off the top five areas most at risk of pets going missing is Newcastle, where the North East city sees 9.56 missing pets per 10,000 people.
10 locations in the UK where your pets are least likely to go missing
Rank
Location
Average number of reported missing pet cases
Number of reported missing pet cases per 10,000 people
1
Dundee
5.00
1.02
2
Swansea
12.00
1.20
3
Edinburgh
22.33
1.44
4
York
8.00
1.56
5
Aberdeen
10.67
1.63
6
Plymouth
17.33
2.00
7
Glasgow
42.00
2.13
8
Blackpool
17.67
2.21
9
Swindon
15.67
2.53
10
London
642.00
2.55
Number of reported missing pet cases was collected over the past 12 months.
Dundee claims the top spot as the safest city for your furry friends, with only 5 reported missing pet cases on average. This equates to an incredibly low 1.02 cases per 10,000 residents. Pet owners in this Scottish city can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their four-legged companions are in one of the safest areas in the UK.
Swansea takes second place with just 1.20 missing pets per 10,000 people. The Welsh coastal city recorded a modest annual average of 12 missing pet reports, offering peace of mind for pet-loving families.
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, ranks third, with a mere 1.44 missing pet cases per 10,000 residents. Known for its historic charm and green spaces, Edinburgh provides a relatively safe haven for pets.
York lands in fourth place, reporting just 8 missing pets over the past year. That’s a reassuringly low rate of 1.56 cases per 10,000 people. Completing the top five, Aberdeen offers pet owners comfort with an annual average of 10.67 missing pet cases, translating to 1.63 cases per 10,000 residents.
Four expert tips to prevent your pet from getting lost
To help pet owners avoid the pain of losing their beloved companion, security experts at Locksmith Luton have also shared some tips on preventing your pets from getting lost:
Establish a routine and supervise outdoor time
Pets thrive on routine, and consistent schedules can reduce the likelihood of wandering. Feed them, walk them, and play with them at the same times each day to create structure. When outdoors, always supervise their activities, even in a fenced area. Consistent supervision minimises the chances of your pet straying too far or encountering dangers.
Secure your home and garden
Take steps to make your home escape-proof. Fix any broken fences, ensure gates are always latched, and check for gaps where a curious pet might squeeze through. Indoors, keep doors and windows secure, especially when people are entering or leaving. If you have a dog, consider using a leash in unfenced areas to prevent wandering, especially during walks or outdoor playtime.
Train your pet to respond to commands
Teaching your pet basic recall commands like ‘come’ or ‘stay’ can be life-saving. Start training in a controlled environment and gradually introduce distractions. Reinforce their response with treats and positive reinforcement. Training not only strengthens your bond but ensures that your pet will return to you if they wander too far.
Door open + collar and leash = yay! We’re going out.
Door open - collar and leash = you’re not going out, just me, wait.”
Microchip your pet and keep information up-to-date
Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to link your pet to you in case they go missing. Ensure the microchip is registered with your current contact information and any alternate phone numbers. Additionally, equip your pet with a durable collar that includes an ID tag showing your phone number and address for quick contact if they’re found.
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