Pet theft measures welcomed by commissioner
Sussex Police’s Rural Crime team met the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as a new report aimed at tackling the issue of pet thefts was launched.
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said she was pleased to see the report published, with some key recommendations, having sat on the Pet Theft Taskforce earlier this year,
She introduced members of the police’s rural crime team to Environment Secretary George Eustice during the MP’s visit to Sussex earlier this month.
Mrs Bourne said: “The new pet abduction offence will reassure owners that Government and police take pet theft seriously.
“I am delighted that the taskforce recognises how pets are more like family members than property for most owners and the emotional impact of having a pet stolen is a driving factor in proposing a specific offence of abduction.”
Mr Eustice said: “Reports of a rise in pet theft have been worrying. Pet owners shouldn’t have to live in fear and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime.”
Criminals have made ‘enormous sums’ with desperate families handing over thousands of pounds to secure a puppy, Inspector Oli Fisher and Sergeant Tom Carter told the Secretary of State.
And DC Sharon Rintoul gave an update on a case following the recovery of 10 dogs by detectives from Crawley with ongoing work to identify their owners whilst a suspect has been released under investigation.
Mrs Bourne added: “Sussex residents can be reassured that they have a dedicated unit committed to tackling wildlife, heritage and environmental crime, dog theft and animal exploitation.”