UK Pet Theft Report 2023

January 10 2024

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Where do the most (and fewest) pet thefts occur in the UK?

Pet theft is a serious and distressing crime affecting many UK pet owners. The theft of a beloved pet can be traumatic, not just because of the loss of a companion but also due to the uncertainty about the pet's welfare and whereabouts.

Pet owners are advised to take various precautions, such as ensuring pets are microchipped, keeping gardens secure, and being vigilant in public spaces. Microchipping is particularly important as it can significantly increase the chances of a stolen pet being returned to its owner. Additionally, pet-friendly alarms in homes and gardens have become more prevalent.

But where in the UK is this problem the worst? And which pets are targeted the most? Last year, we sent Freedom of Information requests to police forces around the UK to find out, and ADT has done the same for 2023 to see how things have changed.

Which areas have the highest pet theft rates?

We sent Freedom of Information requests to each police force in the UK, with 15 sending back responses in a comparable format by December 7th, 2023. Of those forces, here are the ones with the most pet thefts per 100,000 people.

1. Cumbria (81.1 pet theft cases per 100,000 people)

With a total of 406 pet thefts from 2019 to 2023, Cumbria leads in terms of the rate of pet thefts per 100,000 people, registering an alarming 81.1 over the five years. Despite its smaller population compared to more urban areas, this region shows a significantly higher incidence of pet theft relative to its population size. The trend in Cumbria, however, indicates a gradual decrease in pet thefts, dropping from 85 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 50 in 2023.

2. Lancashire (55.6 pet theft cases per 100,000 people)

Lancashire reported 851 pet thefts, a rate of 55.6 per 100,000 people. Lancashire's data shows a steady increase in pet thefts from 2019 to 2021, followed by a slight decrease in 2022 and 2023. While it has more pet thefts overall than Cumbria, due to its larger population, its rate per 100,000 people puts it in second place. Lancashire’s total pet theft per 100,000 people is higher than last year’s version of the research, when it stood at 52.9, putting it in third place.

3. Greater London (49.5 pet theft cases per 100,000 people)

Covering Greater London, the Metropolitan Police area has the highest number of pet thefts at 4,350. However, adjusted for its large population, the rate per 100,000 people is lower at 49.5. The data indicates a sharp increase in pet thefts in 2022, an outlier year with 1,656 thefts compared to the other years. This spike could be down to the coronavirus pandemic, with more time at home causing more people to get dogs. Greater London’s rate has increased considerably from last year’s research, from 39 per 100,000 people to 49.5.

Which areas have the lowest pet theft rates?

Of those forces that responded to our request, these have the lowest rates of pet theft per 100,000 people.

1. West Midlands (3.7 pet theft cases per 100,000 people)

Despite being one of the more populated areas that responded, the West Midlands shows the lowest total rate of pet thefts per 100,000 people at 3.7. The total number of thefts is 332, which is relatively low considering the population size. There is, however, a notable increase in pet thefts in 2021 and 2022, again reflecting the increase in thefts during the pandemic.

2. South Wales (7.7 pet theft cases per 100,000 people)

With a total rate of 7.7 per 100,000 people and 101 total thefts, South Wales is among the regions with the lowest incidence of pet theft. The yearly figures show a decline in pet thefts, especially notable from 2021 onwards. 

3. Merseyside (11 pet theft cases per 100,000 people)

Merseyside shows a relatively low total rate of pet theft per 100,000 people at 11 across 2019-2023. The total number of pet thefts is 157, significantly lower than the top regions. The data for Merseyside indicates a relatively consistent low level of pet thefts each year, with a slight increase in 2023.

Which area saw pet thefts increase the most?

We’ve also looked at which areas saw pet thefts increase the most between 2019 and 2022 (with 2023 only having data for part of the year).

1. West Midlands (547%)

The West Midlands has experienced a dramatic rise in pet thefts, as evidenced by a huge 547% increase over the four years. Starting from 19 cases in 2019, the number rose sharply to 123 in 2022. As a predominantly urban area with a high population, the density of pet owners could offer more opportunities for pet thieves in the West Midlands.

2. Greater London (174%)

The capital also saw a notable increase in pet thefts, increasing by 174% between 2019 and 2022. The number of thefts grew from 605 in 2019 to 1,656 in 2022. Like with the West Midlands, this trend could be attributed to London's dense population and urban environment, also affected by the COVID pandemic.

3. Northamptonshire (55%)

In Northamptonshire, there was a 55% increase in pet thefts, rising from 29 cases in 2019 to 45 in 2022. While this increase is much smaller than in the West Midlands and Greater London, it still represents a concerning trend.

Which area saw pet thefts decrease the most?

1. Gloucestershire (-77%)

Gloucestershire saw a significant decrease in pet thefts, with a 77% reduction between 2019 and 2022. It’s important to note here, though, that it's possible that a significant number of pet thefts could have gone unreported.

2. South Wales (-73%)

Similar to Gloucestershire, South Wales experienced a significant reduction in pet thefts, with a 73% decrease over the same period. Despite spiking in 2021 during the pandemic, pet thefts here dropped again in 2022.

3. Cambridgeshire (-67%)

In Cambridgeshire, there was a 67% decrease in pet thefts from 2019 to 2022. Thefts here have steadily dropped annually, from 55 in 2019 to 53 in 2020, 34 in 2021 and 18 in 2022.

Which pets are most commonly stolen?

We also asked each authority how many of each type of animal were stolen. Responses weren’t always provided in a comparable way, so we’ve categorised them into these broad categories.

1. Dogs (4,403 theft cases)

Dogs are the most frequently stolen pets at the top of the list, with a staggering 4,403 theft cases between 2019 and 2023. This high number is likely due to the substantial emotional and financial value attached to dogs, making them a prime target for thieves. The versatility of dogs, ranging from household pets to working and show dogs, adds to their appeal for theft. Dogs were also the most commonly stolen animal in last year’s study.

2. Cats (1,076 theft cases)

With 1,076 theft cases, cats are the second most commonly stolen pets. While significantly lower than the number for dogs, it still represents a substantial issue. Cats are often targeted for their breed, rarity, or for illegal breeding purposes.

3. Livestock (634 theft cases)

The theft of 634 livestock cases shows farm animals are also at risk. This category includes animals like sheep, cattle, and goats. The motive behind such thefts could be for resale, slaughter, or illegal trade.

Michele Bennett, General Manager at ADT UK Subscriber, comments on the rise in pet thefts in the UK:

“Pet theft in the UK has become increasingly concerning, mainly as pets are often considered valuable family members. The rise in pet theft can be attributed to several factors, including the increased demand for specific breeds, which can command high prices on the black market. This demand has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in pet ownership as people sought companionship during lockdowns.

“However, the government has taken steps to address these concerns. For instance, introducing compulsory microchipping for dogs has been a significant step in deterring theft and aiding in recovering stolen pets. Moreover, there have been discussions about updating legislation to reflect the severity and impact of pet theft, potentially leading to harsher sentences for those convicted.

“Public awareness and education are also crucial in combating pet theft. Pet owners are advised to be vigilant, especially in areas where pet theft is prevalent. Simple measures like not leaving pets unattended in public places, ensuring gardens are secure, and being cautious about sharing information on social media can help reduce the theft risk.

“Here are some additional tips on keeping your pet safe:

• Use Home Security Systems: Installing a pet-friendly alarm will help keep your home and pet safe and secure. Adding smart cameras to your system, or installing CCTV cameras, can act as a deterrent to thieves as well as giving you the option to check in on your pets when you are away from home for additional peace of mind.
• Smart Doorbells and Cameras: Smart doorbells and cameras allow you to monitor and record who approaches your home. These devices often have motion sensors and can send alerts to your phone, providing an extra layer of security.
• GPS Trackers: Consider equipping your pet with a GPS tracker. This can be particularly useful for pets that spend time outdoors, allowing you to monitor their location in real-time.
• Training and Awareness: Train your pet to respond to commands and not to go with strangers. This training can be a crucial factor in preventing pet theft.
• Secure Outdoor Spaces: Ensure your garden or any outdoor space where your pet spends time is secure. This includes checking fences for gaps and installing locks and cameras on gates. 
• Regular Supervision: Never leave your pet unattended in public spaces. For example, if you need to leave your pet outside a shop, securing them within sight and returning promptly is better.
• Vetted Pet Sitters: Use vetted pet sitters or kennels when you're away.
• Social Media Caution: Be cautious about the amount of information you share about your pet on social media, as this can sometimes attract the attention of thieves.
• Neighbourhood Watch: Participate in or form a neighbourhood watch program. Being part of a community that looks out for each other can effectively prevent pet theft.
• Update Pet Information: Keep your pet’s microchip information current, and ensure they wear a collar with an ID tag. This can aid in the recovery if your pet is lost or stolen.

“By combining these practical steps with some trusted security products, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of pet theft and ensure the safety of their beloved pets.”

Methodology

Freedom of Information requests were sent to each police force in the UK, requesting the number of pet thefts between 2019 and 2023. And the number for each type of animal.

Unfortunately, this information is not recorded in a standardised manner between different forces. This meant that some forces could not provide us with any information, and the figures weren’t always comparable for those that did.

For example, some forces provided the number of individual pets that were stolen, while others gave the number of theft cases involving animals. Note that all figures used here refer to theft cases. Any responses that just showed the number of individual animals were excluded.

Each force also categorises animal types differently, so we manually put these into broad categories.

For example, “livestock” includes cattle, sheep and pigs, while “other mammals” includes rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.