The thought of your pooch going missing is a terrifying thought for owners, with dog theft becoming an alarming issue in the UK
The 10 areas in the UK where pets are most at risk of going missing have been revealed. Dog theft incidents have skyrocketed by a staggering 170 per cent since 2019, with estimates showing that around six pets vanish every day in the UK.
It’s a heartbreaking experience to lose a furry friend, and security experts at Locksmith Luton have analysed missing pet data from trusted sources like Animal Search UK to establish which towns and cities have the highest rates of missing pets over the past 12 months.
They found Manchester tops the risk list, with a shocking 17 missing pet cases per 10,000 residents, averaging 236 incidents last year. Pet owners in the North West city should “stay extra vigilant” to keep their canine companions in their sights, the experts warn.
Huddersfield takes second place with a staggering 12.01 missing pets for every 10,000 people. While the average number of missing pets stands at 59 – nearly 75 per cent fewer than Manchester – figures are still significant given the town’s population.
Coming in third place is Warrington, in Cheshire, which sees 11.91 reported missing pet cases per 10,000 residents.
Another West Yorkshire town, Bradford, enters the top 10, in fourth place with an average of 102 reported missing pets over the last year, which equates to 10.22 cases per 10,000 people.
Rounding off the top five areas most at risk of pets going missing is Newcastle, where the North East city sadly sees 9.56 missing pets per 10,000 people.
In contrast, the place where your pet is least likely to go missing is Dundee, in Scotland. It claims the top spot as the safest place for dogs, with only five missing pet cases reported on average, meaning owners can breathe a sigh of relief.
Offering advice on keeping your four-legged friends safe, a Locksmith Luton spokesperson shared some valuable tips. They explained: “Pets thrive on routine, and consistent schedules can reduce the likelihood of wandering.
“Feed them, walk them, and play with them at the same times each day to create structure. When outdoors, always supervise their activities, even in a fenced area. Consistent supervision minimises the chances of your pet straying too far or encountering dangers.”
They also suggested that owners should make sure their homes and gardens are secure. The spokesperson added: “Take steps to make your home escape-proof. Fix any broken fences, ensure gates are always latched, and check for gaps where a curious pet might squeeze through.
“Indoors, keep doors and windows secure, especially when people are entering or leaving. If you have a dog, consider using a leash in unfenced areas to prevent wandering, especially during walks or outdoor playtime.”
They said it’s also key to train your pet to respond to commands like the words ‘come’ or ‘stay’ which can be extremely useful on walks.
“Reinforce their response with treats and positive reinforcement,” they concluded. “Training not only strengthens your bond but ensures that your pet will return to you if they wander too far.”