Dog owners in England urged to keep ‘doors and windows’ shut

The top 10 areas where your dog is most at risk of being stolen – and where to be ‘extra vigilant’ – have been revealed by experts.

Dog owners have been urged to keep their doors and windows shut as the prospect of dog thefts rises. The top 10 areas where your dog is most at risk of being stolen – and where to be ‘extra vigilant’ – have been revealed by experts.

Manchester tops the risk list, with 17 missing pet cases per 10,000 residents, averaging 236 incidents last year. Huddersfield takes second place with 12.01 missing pets for every 10,000 people Warrington, in Cheshire, was third, with 11.91 reported missing pet cases per 10,000 residents.

Bradford was in fourth place with an average of 102 reported missing pets over the last year, which equates to 10.22 cases per 10,000 people. Newcastle was in fifth spot, with 9.56 missing pets per 10,000 people.

READ MORE Five counties in England set to see snow before end of Saturday according to Met Office

A Locksmith Luton spokesperson explained: “Pets thrive on routine, and consistent schedules can reduce the likelihood of wandering. Feed them, walk them, and play with them at the same times each day to create structure. When outdoors, always supervise their activities, even in a fenced area. Consistent supervision minimises the chances of your pet straying too far or encountering dangers.”

The spokesperson added: “Take steps to make your home escape-proof. Fix any broken fences, ensure gates are always latched, and check for gaps where a curious pet might squeeze through. Indoors, keep doors and windows secure, especially when people are entering or leaving. If you have a dog, consider using a leash in unfenced areas to prevent wandering, especially during walks or outdoor playtime.”

They said it’s also key to train your pet to respond to commands like the words ‘come’ or ‘stay’ which can be extremely useful on walks. “Reinforce their response with treats and positive reinforcement,” they added.

“Training not only strengthens your bond but ensures that your pet will return to you if they wander too far.”