Received some disturbing news today that the suspected dog thieves on Blackdown Common have shifted their focus to Bogmor Common in Elstead. One of our customers was alerted to this via her local Neighbourhood watch. A dogwalker almost had her spaniel taken from her by a couple who fit the same description as the one on Blackdown. This time, the thieves almost got away - but they didn't count on the dog being properly whistle trained, as well as an owner who carries a big stick and is not afraid to use it! Some of our customers have started noting vechile type and registrations in the area before they start their walks, and I would encourage users of these areas to do the same. God forbid if the worst happens at least we will have some sort of starting point for the police to work with. The owner has reported this latest incident to the police, but could you also send this email to your clients as it seems that the dog thieves are now trying their luck on other commons. Very worrying!

Please be carefuly keep your dogs close to you.

H****** and I were walking on Blackdown (local common) on a lower path that walks through the woods and not so many people use. I saw ahead a lady who instantly started trying to call H***** to her which I thought nothing of. As I passed her she was still trying to get H***** to come to her, but I passed her with H****** behind me. As I passed her a man came out of the bushes carrying a stick, and I exchanged a couple of words with him, again thinking nothing. About 3 steps on I realised H****** wasn't with me, I turned and the girl and H******* had disappeared and all I could see was the man sprinting away along the path. I blew my dog whistle and started sprinting in their direction. I heard H******* yelp. I ran like I've never run before, and eventually caught up with them and H******. He'd obviously got away from them and wouldn't go any where near them, I had to grab him to get him past them. She was laughing saying how fast he could run. I didn't say anything as I was so shocked and felt completely vulnerable not being on the main path and being 2 of them. They had covered so much ground in such a short space of time if I hadn't run after them I think I wouldn't have seen him again. Analysing how they did it I now know to be really careful. I passed her with H****** behind me, and the man distracted me as she must have grabbed H******. (I assume that due to the yelp and the fact that he has never run away from me). Then as soon as I'd passed him he sprinted too. For those of you in Haslemere: they were late 30's and both had dark hair. He had a goaty. Please warn others and be really aware that if you pass someone make sure your dog is in your sight and in front of you. My tummy muscles ache now as I've not put that much effort into running ever before! I'm really upset by what happened and so shocked by how quickly it occurred. I am going to stick to more open paths from now on. (and not wear wellys!)

god how scary!

Too close for comfort for me, I walk on puttenham common, not very far away at all and very isolated in some parts. I will definately be on my guard

it is to close and i know which breed of dog it was.

How very scary for you, it must be a dog owners worst fear! I am not close to area but how very scary!!

hi this did not happen to me but a regional Co-ordinator on dog lost

Description:
Male & female, late 30s, dark haired, male has goatie beard. Tried to steal a dog. ANOTHER try by same couple in Elstead on 15th-more details on website-WARN EVERY DOG OWNER

Oops sorry

Hayley

Well went on my usual walk today but was watching for people and trying to keep Arnie as close as possible ( not an easy task when you own a HPR and are walking in heavily populated woods with pheasant!!!) Oh well, he had some very good recall training with the whistle!!!!!!

My goodness, seems we are not safe anywhere. :(

Although I do not live near theses areas I have alerted my puppy owners and everyone else I know who has a dog.

This is so so scary.