This has triggered security experts to provide tips on how to keep your furry friend safe this Christmas.
Throughout lockdown, the demand for dogs has risen due to people living on their own seeking companionship. In fact, The Kennel Club reported a 168% increase in people searching for puppies for sale on its website from the beginning of lockdown until the end of October, compared to the same period in 2019.
The demand has led to a significant increase in stolen pets, with some areas of the UK seeing more than double the number of dogs stolen compared to the same time period last year, with areas such as Suffolk (250% increase), Northumbria (128% increase) and Humberside (127% increase) suffering the most.
A new survey by security experts, Safe.co.uk has revealed one in four Brits don’t have any security precautions around the home and only 53% feel safe in their house.
The survey further uncovered that 66% of Brits don’t have any motion sensor lighting, 61% don’t have a garden gate lock and 80% don’t have CCTV in place.
Pledging to keep families and pets safe this Christmas, Safe.co.uk has comprised the following tips:
Lighting - Installed to add to the pleasant evening aesthetics of a garden, it also acts as a deterrent towards burglars and gives the homeowner clearer visions of any wrongdoings in the area.
Barriers - Whether choosing a wall or fencing, barriers will protect the garden whilst also keeping the animal secure with no opportunity to escape. Be careful not to exceed two metres however, or planning permission is needed.
CCTV - If a burglar spots a camera in the garden, they are less likely to consider breaking in. There is also the advantage of monitoring any outdoor space and the ability to check any previous footage to use as evidence, which could be vital with the plans to give out further sentences to pet thieves.
Locks - Locking any gates with padlocks will also ensure a more difficult entrance for burglars.
Gravel - Having gravel as a path or driveway could give an early indication of someone approaching the property.
If the value of a pet is under £500, it is extremely difficult for the court to give a custodial sentence. Therefore over 300,000 Brits have signed a petition asking for pet theft to be a specific crime, and for harsher actions to be taken in the UK.
Anthony Neary, Managing Director for Safe.co.uk said: “Losing a pet can be a devastating ordeal. It’s unpleasant to see a rise in animal thefts over lockdown when people are looking to their pets now more than ever for comfort and companionship.
“After finding out families across the UK can do more to keep their homes, belongings and selves safer, our tips have been provided to improve home security systems and keeping our pets safe over the winter months.”
