Police on the hunt for dachshunds stolen from Derbyshire home

Derbyshire Police are appealing for information after eight dachshunds were stolen from a property in Acresford near Swadlincote.

Three male and five females, all miniature wire-haired dachshunds, were taken from a property at around 11.30pm on 10th February.

Since then, one of the dogs stolen during this incident has been located safe and well in Cambridgeshire.

Police say enquiries are ongoing into how it came to be in the area and are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

  • Police say the trio walking in this video were seen in the area at the time the dogs were stolen:

Officers say they'd like to speak to them, or anyone who may have seen them or recognises them.

Today's appeal comes as dog thefts in the region have seen an increase in recent months, soaring by 65% during lockdown.

In 2019 more than 170 cases were referred to DogLost UK by owners who'd reported a dog theft to the police, but by mid-August last year alone there were 200.

The organisation says they're seeing two thirds more reported thefts than the same period in 2019.

According to Pets4Home, the most commonly stolen dog breeds are:

  • Pomeranian

    Pedigree Pomeranian dogs with Kennel Club papers reliably change hands for over £1,000, and so there is a significant market for them.

  • Maltese

    Like the Pomeranian, they are small, portable and easy to take.

  • French bulldog

    A popular breed that can easily fetch several thousand pounds.

  • Chihuahua

    Despite being fiesty, this breed is tiny and very portable.

  • Labradoodle

    The mixed-breed Labradoodle is one of the most popular dog types in the UK, to the extent that this non-pedigree dog is actually recognised as a target for theft at the same rate as some popular pedigrees.

  • Staffordshire bull terrier

    Pure bred Staffordshire bull terriers and non-pedigree dogs of the Staffy type are one of the most popular breeds in the UK.

  • German shepherd

    Adult German shepherds are often speculative about strangers and won’t be willing to go with someone they don’t know, but puppies and younger dogs of the breed are often targeted.

  • Labrador retriever

    Good quality Labradors are always in demand, and the breed’s open, friendly personalities make them a target for theft. Puppies and younger dogs are again usually the most common targets.

  • Springer spaniel

    Demand for trained working dogs is high, as well as there being a significant demand for pet dogs of the breed too.

  • Siberian husky

    The desirability of the breed and their appealing, wolf-like looks may make them a target for theft.

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