UK Pet Theft Report 2025

January 10 2024

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 the uncertainty of the pet's welfare and whereabouts.

We set out to find where in the UK pets are targeted the most often. To learn more, we sent Freedom of Information requests to police forces across the nation, asking for pet theft data from 2019 and 2024 to see where the problem is growing. It’s important to note here, though, that it's possible for a significant number of pet thefts to go unreported.

It’s normal to worry about your pets – they’re part of the family. We have customised security options to make sure you and your furry friends have peace of mind.

So, where are thefts on the rise and where are they declining? Let’s find out.

Top 10 regions for pet theft in 2024:

Dorset - 696
West Yorkshire - 208
South Yorkshire - 127
Northumbria - 117
West Midlands - 83
Bedfordshire - 77
Cambridgeshire - 77
North Yorkshire - 67
Essex - 63
Hertfordshire - 62

Which areas have the most pet thefts?

Dorset - 696 thefts

Despite cases dropping since 2019, Dorset had the highest number of pet thefts in 2024 with a staggering 696 reported incidents. The region continues to be a hotspot.

West Yorkshire - 208 thefts

West Yorkshire ranks second, with 208 reported pet thefts. It also recorded the highest number of both dog (112) and cat (59) thefts nationwide.

South Yorkshire - 127 thefts

South Yorkshire comes in third place, with 127 cases of pet theft spilt across cats, dogs and livestock. Theft numbers here have also risen since 2019, when the region only reported 105 for the year.

Regions with the lowest pet theft in 2024:

Surrey - 6
Derbyshire - 13
Norfolk - 14
Nottinghamshire - 16
Avon and Somerset - 23
Suffolk - 25
Northamptonshire - 25
Gwent - 31
Merseyside - 36
Sussex - 40

Which areas have the lowest number of pet thefts in the UK?

Surrey - 6 thefts

Surrey reported the least pet thefts in 2024, making it one of the safest regions in the UK for pet owners. Numbers are also decreasing in the region, with only 6 reported in 2019.

Derbyshire - 13 thefts

With just 13 thefts reported, Derbyshire is also getting its pet safety right. Thefts dropped from 19 in 2019, so the region continues to be among the safest counties for pets.

Norfolk - 14 thefts

Norfolk also remains a low-risk area for pet theft, with thefts consistently decreasing in recent years.

Which areas have had the biggest increase in pet theft?

West Midlands - 277% increase

The West Midlands has experienced a dramatic rise in pet thefts, as evidenced by a huge 277% increase over five years. Starting from 19 cases in 2019, the number rose sharply to 83 in 2024. 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.

North Yorkshire - 76% increase

It’s not just the urban areas at risk of the increase, though, North Yorkshire saw thefts increase from 35 in 2019 to 62 in 2024, meaning pet theft rose 76%. It’s especially important for pet owners in this area to be vigilant.

Hertfordshire - 41% increase

In Hertfordshire, pet theft rose from 47 cases in 2019 to 67 in 2024. Whilst this increase is much smaller than in the West Midlands and North Yorkshire, it still represents a concerning issue.

South Yorkshire - 21% increase

The last region with an increase was South Yorkshire, where thefts climbed from 105 in 2019 to 127 in 2024. The vast majority of cases were dogs, potentially because of the proximity to the Peak District which is a popular dog walking spot.

Which areas saw pet thefts decrease the most?

Dorset - 217 cases

Despite still having the highest number of thefts overall, Dorset saw a substantial drop from 913 thefts in 2019 to 696 in 2024. The number of thefts is still worrying for owners, but the decrease might continue if pet owners are taking steps to protect their furry friends.

Lancashire - 34 cases

Pet theft in Lancashire dropped from 92 cases in 2019 to 58 in 2024, showing consistent improvement.

Cumbria - 29 cases

Cumbria also saw a steady decline from 83 thefts in 2019 to 54 in 2024.

Which pets are most commonly stolen?

We 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.

Dogs - 539 theft cases

Dogs are the most frequently stolen pets, with a huge 539 cases. 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.

Birds - 409

Shockingly, birds were the second most commonly stolen pet, with 409 cases last year. Of these, 313 cases were reported in Suffolk alone.

Cats - 255 theft cases

With 255 theft cases, cats are the third 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.

Why are pets being targeted?

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 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 was 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.”

Tips for keeping your pets safe

“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.”

Home security systems: Installing a home security system will help protect your home and furry friend. Adding indoor 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 for additional peace of mind.
Video doorbells and cameras: Video doorbells and cameras allow you to monitor and record who approaches your home. When the motion sensor is triggered and our smart video analytics detect an intruder, an alert is sent to your phone to keep you updated
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.”