Many of you have written to me recently expressing concerns about the recent rise in pet theft, and I have been raising these with Ministers and pressing for tougher action.
So I'm pleased to share that the Government has set up a new taskforce to address these concerns head-on and consider how best to clamp down on this illegal market and those engaged in it.
I will keep you updated on its progress - recommendations are expected to be published in the Autumn - but in the meantime Surrey Police have advised that dog owners should avoid leaving their pet unattended while out in public, vary their routines when walking their dogs, and should take basic security steps at home such as checking locks on doors and garden gates.
I also came across some detailed guidance from Blue Cross on how to protect animals from theft, which you may find useful.
As ever, if you have any questions, please do email me at [email protected] and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. And if you have any information about particular incidents or suspicious activity, please contact Surrey Police online or by calling 101.
