Massive increase in dog and puppy thefts during lockdown

  • Video report by ITV Anglia's Natalie Gray

Lots of crimes have totally disappeared during lockdown, but dog theft has gone through the roof as thieves look to cash in on the staggeringly high demand for puppies.

Justine Watts is a licensed dog breeder in Upwell on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border and had 14 puppies and dogs stolen in an overnight raid.

The puppies were cocker spaniels and cockapoos and too young to be taken away from their mothers.

Owners have been left heartbroken by a massive increase in dog and puppy thefts Credit: ITV News Anglia
The Dogs Trust are giving advice on how to keep dogs and puppies safe from thieves Credit: Dogs Trust

The government says stealing pets is already an offence under the theft act with a maximum penalty of seven years but campaigners say those who steal animals are treated the same way as if they'd stolen a laptop or mobile phone so there's little deterrent.

The situation is now so bad the Dogs Trust have issued advice on how to keep you dog or puppy safe from thieves