Police issue warning to dog owners

POLICE have warned of thieves trying to steal pet dogs in Hungerford and surrounding villages.

Wiltshire Police are appealing for information about of a group of men in a green or silver Suzuki 4x4 – possibly a Vitara – seen driving around the Shalbourne, Bedwyn, Bagshot and Hungerford area on November 18.

The force said in a statement: “In some cases a suspect will ring the front doorbell while another goes round the back of the property.

“We are asking people to be vigilant and keep their dogs locked inside the house or ensure their kennels are safe and secure.”

A spate of attempted ‘dognappings’ occured in Hungerford and the Lambourn Valley two years ago. In 2018, Hungerford resident Stephen Collins said a friend was walking their Jack Russell near The Croft green when they became aware of two males sitting in a dark, or black, 4x4 vehicle with silver ‘grab rails’ on the side.

On that occasion an attempted dog theft was thwarted when the dog owner managed to snatch back their pet from two males and a woman.

Police report that, while some animals are stolen from kennels, thieves are becoming bolder with animals being taken as they are being walked and others being specifically targeted in burglaries. Thames Valley Police advise owners to think twice before leaving their dog tied up outside a shop.

They also advise:

Don’t leave dogs alone in the car. Ensure your dog is microchipped and contact details are up to date.

Ensure your dog always wear a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it.

Have lots of photographs of yourself with your dog to help prove ownership. Train your dog to return when called.

Don’t leave dogs outside, unsupervised.

Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact 101, quoting crime reference number 54200115124. For a crime in progress, call 999. Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.