Heads Up to Dog Owners

A local person has been in touch to advise us of an attempt to steal her dog in the Lound area.. The incident on Monday 22nd March has also been reported on the Facebook Retford Information page:

“My dog was barking so let her out and a man appeared from behind the hedge (he was crouched down until he saw me) had a dog lead with him but no dog and was dressed in jogging gear, ran off when he saw me – Lound area happened 5 mins ago !” This happened at about 6.45 pm and I am aware that there was also an incident in Askham at 1 pm yesterday and Gringley about an hour or so after this happened to me.

Is there anything we can do to set up a private group for people to join to make local residents aware of these kind of incidents ?”

Well maybe we can help out a little here. If you could let your neighbours know that there are people in the vicinity on the look out for dogs to steal. If you would like to form a group to raise awareness then get in touch with us through the contact for on the website. A piece appeared in Country Life recently offering some useful advice that you might find useful.

How to prevent your dog from being stolen

Make sure their microchip information is up to date and note the microchip number in your phone, so you always have it to hand
When out walking, avoid isolated areas and vary your route and times. Be wary of strangers asking questions and don’t let your dog off lead until you are confident in its recall
Never leave your dog unattended, either in a vehicle or tied outside a shop. Don’t leave them unsupervised in the garden — always keep them in view
Install CCTV, motion-activated lights, locks, sensors or bells on gates
If your dogs are kennelled, use locks and chains and obstruct vehicle access. Make sure kennels aren’t visible from the road
Take photos of your dog on your phone for proof of ownership, noting distinguishing markings and features — think carefully before posting dog photos on social media

What to do if your dog gets stolen

Call the microchip company your dog is registered with and list them as missing
Contact the police and get a crime reference number
Get in touch with local vets, dog wardens, shelters and charities. Visit www.doglost.co.uk to register your dog as missing
Put up posters of your dog in the local area with contact details and use social media to get the word out — make your dog ‘too hot to handle’

How to prevent your dog from being stolen

Make sure their microchip information is up to date and note the microchip number in your phone, so you always have it to hand

When out walking, avoid isolated areas and vary your route and times. Be wary of strangers asking questions and don’t let your dog off lead until you are confident in its recall

Never leave your dog unattended, either in a vehicle or tied outside a shop. Don’t leave them unsupervised in the garden — always keep them in view

Install CCTV, motion-activated lights, locks, sensors or bells on gates

If your dogs are kennelled, use locks and chains and obstruct vehicle access. Make sure kennels aren’t visible from the road

Take photos of your dog on your phone for proof of ownership, noting distinguishing markings and features — think carefully before posting dog photos on social media

What to do if your dog gets stolen

Call the microchip company your dog is registered with and list them as missing

Contact the police and get a crime reference number

Get in touch with local vets, dog wardens, shelters and charities. Visit www.doglost.co.uk to register your dog as missing

Put up posters of your dog in the local area with contact details and use social media to get the word out — make your dog ‘too hot to handle’