This is how Lancashire Police say you can keep your pet safe from dognappers

These are the precautions you can take to deter thieves and minimise the risk of your pet being taken, according to police.

We're a nation of dog lovers, and with so many of us working from home, demand for our four-legged friends – and the price of them – has soared during the pandemic.

But anything of value is at risk of being stolen, and dog theft has risen too.

The increase is thought to be linked to the rise in the cost of puppies as people look for companionship during lockdown.

"With the lockdown and more people working from home more people have become dog owners and demand has gone up – sometimes resulting in criminals taking advantage by stealing dogs to sell them on," a spokesman for Lancashire Police said.

"Dogs are often part of the family and we appreciate the heartache and distress that having a pet stolen can cause."

"We would urge owners to report all thefts to us but there are also precautions you can take to deter thieves and minimise the risk of your pet being taken."

Here are Lancashire Police's tips for keeping your dog safe:

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5. Report dog theft to police straight away

If you suspect your dog has been stolen, it’s important to act quickly. Immediately report the theft to the police, your local council’s warden, neighbouring local authorities, your vet and your dog’s microchip company .You can also spread the word on social media, create posters and flyers and report the theft on as many missing animal websites as you can. Anyone with information about a stolen dog, or suspicious behaviour, can report it to police on 101 or online at www.lancashire.police.uk.