Dog owners are urged to be vigilant following recent attempted thefts

Dog owners are urged to be vigilant following recent attempted thefts in Newport and Monmouthshire.

A member of the public reported that two men approached him while walking his dog on Corporation Road, Newport, on Saturday, February 6, shortly before 8.15pm. One of the men attempted to distract the dog owner while another man attempted to cut the dog’s lead with scissors.

The dog owner and the dog were able to run off unharmed.

Officers are also investigating an attempted robbery which took place near to Trellech Common yesterday at around 4.50pm. A man reported that he and his dog were in his car ready to return home following a walk, when an unknown man grabbed him from the car and assaulted him. The suspect then made off empty handed in a dark blue/black Ford Ranger.

The victim sustained a facial injury during the assault.

Inspector Nikki Hughes said: “Understandably, reports of this nature are very concerning to dog owners and we would like to reassure residents that they are being investigated thoroughly.

“We have received two calls from members of the public today reporting concerns around suspicious vehicles and in particular men asking about dogs and dog kennels. We would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to police.

“Dog owners are urged to take extra security measures to ensure the safety of their dogs for example by ensuring your pet is microchipped and to check your privacy settings on social media before sharing pictures of your pet online, as this can attract the attention of some criminals.

“I also want to encourage those who are buying dogs to really consider where the pet has come from and ensure that it is being purchased legally. Advice can be found online on the checks you should make before purchasing a new dog or puppy.”

Anyone with any information or who sees anyone behaving suspiciously is asked to call us on 101 reference 2100048681 or 999 in an emergency.

Advice on how to keep your pet safe

• Ensure your pet is microchipped – if your dog runs off and it is found, you can be easily traced as its owner. If your dog is stolen, when it is taken to the vets, they will discover that the dog is chipped and you will be identified as its rightful owner
• Don’t leave dogs unattended in the street, however small and friendly the community
• Don’t leave them alone in a car
• Ensure your garden is secure and don’t leave them alone for long periods of time
• If you keep them outside, make sure your property and kennels are secure

For more advice visit the Blue Cross website www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/protect-your-dog-against-theft