Dog owners - beware

Lincolnshire Alert Information

The following message was received at 15.37hrs today:

"Message sent by Nicki Trigwell (Support, PCSO NC42 Grantham Town West, Grantham Station)

Good afternoon,

We have had reports of a suspicious white van driving around in different towns and villages looking to steal working dogs especially labs, spaniels and terriers. We have no specific dates and times that the van has been seen and no details of the occupants. The last letters of the registration number is similar to WSU. If you see the vehicle of have any information please call 101. Many thanks."

Update - 14 March 2013

"Message sent by Nicki Trigwell (Support, PCSO NC42 Grantham Town West, Grantham Station)

Good Afternoon,
Following a previous message sent out warning people of a suspicious white transit van possibly being involved in taking dogs, we would like to let you know we have had several reports that this could be a hoax. There have been messages put on social networking sites of vans driving around and marking the spots of properties where there are dogs to take.This is a hoax and to clarify we have not had any incidents reported to us of any dogs that have been taken.That said, if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact Lincs Police on 101 or your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Many thanks."

Further update - 15 March 2013

"Message sent by Gill Finn (Police & NHWN, Community Safety Officer, Police Headquarters)

We are currently receiving enquiries from worried members of the public regarding a hoax being circulated in regards to pets and in particular dogs that are being targeted by criminals to steal to order.  The hoax states that stickers are placed at the owners property to show what type of dog can be found there.

Please rest assured that this is NOT being reported in Lincolnshire, although OCCASIONALLY we do have the task of recovering one or two stolen pets.

If you would like to check the following Website www.doglost.co.uk  you can see across England how many pets are currently being reported as lost or stolen. Doglost also has the facility to register your pets so that they can search their data base immediately, should you dog become lost or stolen.

The top tips in security of your pet are:

• Microchip your pets as soon as you become the owner.
• Keep up to date photos of your pet as they age.
• Never leave your pet outside unattended.
• Teach your dog to come to call, if you regularly walk them in large open spaces, so you can retrieve them quickly if you notice anyone taking an interest in your dog.

Thank you for your continued support."

Tips to keep your pets safe from dognapping

'Adult working dogs including pointers, springer and cocker spaniels, Labradors, retrievers and setters can be resold for £800-2,000 by unscrupulous thieves.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/14/03/2013/138159/tips-to-keep-your-pets-safe-from-dognapping.htm