Taken from this weeks Our Dogs
A police force has set up a taskforce to deal specifically with pet theft.
Recently the Home Secretary vowed to look at tougher measures to stem the ‘absolutely shocking’ recent rise in pet thefts.
Ms Patel told LBC radio she was in talks to upgrading pet theft to a more serious offence, which could result in stronger sentences for offenders.
‘We are definitely looking into what kind of measures can be put in place in terms of the criminality,’ she told LBC’s Nick Ferrari.
The government has rejected calls for pet theft to be made a specific crime but sources indicate that there will be a change to the sentencing guidelines.
Dyfed-Powys police have set up Operation Rhinestone in order to tackle the problem.
In a statement the force said, ‘Following our appeal yesterday, we have seen an upturn of suspicious activity, and this is helping us with out enquiries. Thank you.
‘We have now established a taskforce to tackle dog thefts in the force area, and have allocated a chief inspector to lead our operational response.
‘A number of arrests have already been made, and more than 70 puppies and dogs have been recovered, linked to thefts from breeders and a burglary.
‘At this point in time, this incident on the Carmarthenshire coastal path is the only incident reported to us of an individual being approached in public and attempts made to take a dog, using force. This is currently being investigated by Llanelli CID.
‘If you have experienced this too, please report it to us.
‘If targeted – stay safe. Get a description of the individuals, what they are wearing and note their accent. If safe to do so capture what they are driving, including a registration number and any distinctive markings or features.
‘We need your help to tackle this.’
It would be good if other forces are able to follow and not just in wales
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