Pet theft more likely in the north
A study has revealed that pets living in the north of England are 50 per cent more likely to be stolen than those living in the south.
The investigation into pet theft, carried out by RAC Insurance using data from UK police forces, found that an average of more than 8,500 pets were stolen between 2010 and 2012.
Based on these figures, it was estimated that more than 8,300 of the pets taken were dogs – the vast majority.
Furthermore, during 2012, 60 per cent of dogs and cats were stolen, according to the figures, compared with just 40 per cent in the south.
It was also found that, over the three-year period, as little as three per cent of pet thefts resulted in finding the person responsible in some parts of the country.
The investigation found that the majority of pet thefts take place at home, with a fifth of cases in Kent being stolen from gardens and 65 per cent being taken from a dwelling or outbuildings in West Yorkshire.
Those areas with the highest reports of dog theft were in Norrthumbria, according to RAC's findings, where there were 210 reports in 2012 alone. London was close behind, with 178 recorded thefts.
"While pets are still more likely to be taken from the home, our research also highlighted that thieves operate anywhere, from public parks, to home and even in some cases, animal sanctuaries," commented RAC's commercial director, Kerry Michael.
"While it is of course important to enable our pets to enjoy a free and happy life, it is also important to be vigilant at all times – but also recognise the value of your pet to the family and have proper arrangements in place in case the worst happens."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
