DOG owners have been left concerned after a study revealed pet thefts have reached a seven year high with 2,700 stolen in the past year.
Of the dogs most likely to be stolen, the French bulldog, bulldog, Yorkshire terrier, Chihuahua and German shepherd made up the top five, according to pet health firm Pet Keen.
The average price of these breeds adds up to £7,150, showing just how costly losing one can be.
The figures are in line with a double dog theft in Harwich last month.
Lesley-Anne Hymus and her family were distraught as they reported their dogs, a French bulldog named Kingston and a bull terrier named Romy, were stolen from Hordle Street on April 20.
She said: “I went to the hospital with my son at 3pm and we were gone until the evening.
“I normally leave the back door open for my dogs so they can run around in the garden but there is still no way for them to get out as we have a secure six-foot gate.”
The family initially offered a £1,000 reward for information, but this has since risen to £10,000 and a Facebook page has been launched to find the puppies.
If you have any information on Lesley-Anne’s dogs visit bit.ly/3yRZ5cS or contact police at essex.police.uk quoting incident 339 of April 21.
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