The number of dogs stolen in Dorset last year

Dorset Police recorded 17 reported dog thefts in 2021, according to a Freedom of Information request from Direct Line Pet Insurance.

This was down from 31 in 2020, and 24 in 2019, before the pandemic.

However, across the UK, 2,077 dogs were reported stolen to 35 police forces which responded to the FOI request, though Direct Line Pet Insurance estimates the real figure to be as high as 2,760.

Read more: Investigation ongoing into burglary of 9 American Bulldog puppies

This estimate was up from 2,438 in 2020 and the highest number since their records began in 2015.

Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “It’s devastating to see the number of dogs stolen continue to increase across the country.

"Unfortunately, the increase in dog ownership since the pandemic began and the subsequent rise in prices of these animals seems to make the crime even more appealing to thieves."

She said dog owners should take precautions such as keeping their pets on a lead when in busy areas, and avoiding leaving a dog tied up outside a shop, or left inside an empty car.

Along with an increase in thefts across the UK, the proportion of pooches returned to their owners also rose last year, to 22 per cent.

Read more: Puppies and a dog stolen by gang of thieves in New Forest

In Dorset, 14 of 17 dogs were returned in 2021.

The Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance said the demand for dogs during lockdown caused a "huge spike" in them being stolen for breeding, with their value also increasing.

Debbie Matthews, chief executive of the charity, said: "Dogs were also essentially being stolen ‘to order’ for people who were looking for a certain breed, but would never know that they were receiving a stolen dog.

"We would always recommend that a new owner gets the pet’s microchip registration checked as soon as possible."

Direct Line Pet Insurance said French bulldogs were the most stolen breed in 2021, followed by Jack Russells, chihuahuas and pugs.