Dog owners warned to continue being vigilant after theft

Police are warning dog owners to continue keeping a close eye on their pets following another report of a theft in the early hours today, Sunday 30 August.

It comes after chalk marks have been seen at properties in Gloucester.

A number of dogs have been reported stolen this month and officers have urged people to remain vigilant. 

In the latest incident, a rottweiler was reported to have been stolen from a house in Drybrook, shortly after 5am today.

Marks were also found on fences at houses in Dovedale Close, Hardwicke, last week, at properties where dogs are being kept. Two men were also spotted acting suspiciously in the area.

It follows three reported dog snatches across the county earlier this month:

A collie and her six puppies were taken from a property in Brockworth some time after 9pm on Tuesday 18 August;

A black English pointer was taken from a house in Longney at around 10.40pm on Saturday 15 August. It is understood an attempt was made to take a second dog from the address, but this was unsuccessful.

A labrador cross was taken from a house in Brookthorpe at around 4pm on Thursday 13 August.

There are a number of ways that you can help protect your dogs:

• Keep an ID tag on your dog at all times (your surname, mobile number and address only)
• Secure gates using bolts at the top and bottom, along with a heavy-duty padlock and gate alarm
• Never leave your pet in the garden unattended
• Purchase a driveway alarm so you are alerted to any intruders, these can also be used in rear gardens and yards
• Make sure your dog is microchipped and their details are updated so that they can be returned if they are stolen and subsequently found.
• Avoid leaving a dog tied up outside a shop or left alone in a car, even for a few minutes
• Take lots of photographs of your dog to prove ownership if it’s stolen, pay particular attention to any distinguishing markings on your dog.

You can also prevent theft on walks by varying walk times and locations and being suspicious of strangers who ask questions about your dog. Make a note of any suspicious, loitering vehicles

If you notice any suspicious activity, contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101. Anyone with information about the latest theft in Drybrook should quote incident 120 of 30 August.