Dogsey

The Westcountry is among the most likely places for dogs to be stolen, news figures have revealed.

Those living within the Devon and Cornwall force area are at a higher-than-average risk, with 49 dogs reported stolen – the ninth highest in the league.

Figures from police forces across England and Wales show dogs in London, Kent and West Yorkshire are most prone to being stolen, with 165, 128 and 123 thefts last year, respectively.

In total, 1,468 dogs were reported missing last year, according to the 23 forces who replied to a Freedom of Information Act request.

The figures, obtained by the ShootingUK website, also revealed that Staffordshire bull terriers are more likely to be stolen than any other breed, while border collies and cocker spaniels are also popular with thieves. Some 224 Staffies were snatched, while 80 border collies and 54 cocker spaniels were also taken.