Dog thefts: check your security measures but don’t panic, say police
NWP investigate thefts, attempted thefts and well meaning missing dog reports
DOG owners are being advised to check security measures but not to panic over a mini spate of dog thefts in North Wales.
In the past fortnight North Wales Police (NWP) has begun investigating a number of thefts and attempted thefts in the region.
The force has also been looking into well-meaning reports of missing dogs that were subsequently recovered.
Latest canine crime reported to the NWP rural crime team was the attempted theft of three sheepdogs at a farm in Dyffryn Nantlle, Gwynedd.
Officers suspect the dogs had been let out overnight on December 29-30 during an attempt to steal them.
They were later found wandering around their owner’s farmyard.
The rural crime team is now appealing for dash cam footage from the area at the time of the incident.
On the same night, three sheepdogs were stolen from a property in Bodedern, Anglesey. A criminal investigation into this incident is under way.
A week later, a six-yearold Border Terrier x Jack Russell called “Maisey” was taken from a rural property in the Bethel area of Bala.
A collection of high-value coins was stolen in the daytime raid on Thursday, January 6.
Police are trying to trace a white Transit-type van with distinctive side reflectors that was seen in the area.
On the same day, a male Saluki Greyhound called “Bracken” was snatched
during a morning burglary in Nant Glyn Road, Denbigh. Bracken has since been recovered.
Sgt Liam Jones, manager of the NWP rural crime team, said reports of the Bodedern incident had been shared widely on social media.
This had prompted several follow-up reports
involving other missing dogs. Subsequent inquiries indicated some had been recovered and no criminal action was suspected.
He said there was no need for particular alarm over recent incidents.
Nor was there any indication of a link between the thefts, though this
could not be ruled out.
“However we would always advise owners to take security measures to ensure the safety of their dogs,” he added.
For farmers with valuable sheepdogs, the NWP rural crime team advises beefing up security.
Officers suggest moving kennels to secure, well-lit
areas and installing remote alarms on kennel doors. Gates to farmyards and stores should also be closed and locked.
To report information about these incidents, contact NWP on 101 or via its webchat facility. Alternatively, you can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.