Since May 2018 the police have reported five incidents of dog thefts in South Gloucestershire. They provide the following advice to dog owners to keep their dogs safe:
- never leave your dog unattended outside a shop, in a vehicle, or in you garden
- ensure that its micro-chipped and keep your details up to date. Its now a legal requirement
- keep photos of your dog showing any distinctive markings
- ensure that your garden is secure
- vary the times and routes of your walks
- be wary of strangers asking lots of questions about your dog