The first of our information updates to accompany the 2021 Neighbourhood Watch Week which runs from 5th to 11th June. Whatever you, your neighbours or your members of your Neighbourhood Watch Group are up to this week, remember that the theme is around strong communities. So hopefully you can share the information we’re sharing this week with others. And if you want to tell us what you’re up to this week or get in touch for support then please do. Email me at karl@nelwatch.org.uk
Over recent months you’re probably aware that dog crime has become an issue. Whilst the local North East Lincolnshire Policing teams are certainly not seeing a crime wave of dog snatching, it is still a significant issue and one that all dog owners should be mindful of.
The national Protect Your Pooch campaign led by OurWatch has been raising awareness of this issue along with plenty of advice. Visit the campaign information page here.
A webinar organised recently was quickly sold out, but OurWatch have now made this available as a recording.
You can read more about it in the . And the recording itself is here available from their webinars page.
And remember that the top tips are are to keep your pooch: Secure. In sight. And Searchable…
SECURE
Pets are easily stolen from a garden when left unattended, even if for just a few minutes. Front gardens are very vulnerable. Fit a bell or gate alarm to any rear or side gates; the gates should be secured with British Standard locks, locking bolts or closed shackle padlocks.
Secure your garden boundary to prevent your dog from escaping or a thief from reaching in and taking your dog out.
As well as a lock, consider fitting a bell or small alarm to outside kennels to warn you of any tampering.
Be particularly careful of sharing or publicly posting on social media details of where you live, the type of dog you have and where you walk.
IN SIGHT
Never leave your dog unattended in a car – especially on warm days – as it is not just dangerous for their health but allows them to be easily targeted by thieves.
Leaving your dog alone outside a shop is another easy opportunity for a thief, even if you are only away for a minute.
It’s important your dog will return when called; if it is not trained to do this, be very careful of allowing them off the lead, especially in unfamiliar areas. You may wish to keep them on an extending lead instead.
Varying the times and routes you take when walking your dog.
Be careful of strangers asking you a lot of questions when you are walking your dog – they could be distracting you to make it easy for them to steal your dog.
If you need to use a dog walking service or kennels, make sure you check references carefully to ensure the offer is genuine or the company is trusted.
SEARCHABLE
Make sure your dog is microchipped and the details are correct on any of the recognised pet registration databases. Your dog must be microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old. For further information about the process and potential databases visit the UK government webpage on microchipping your dog.
Fit your dog with a collar; the collar or attached tag should have a your surname and contact details – not the name of the dog.
Make sure you take pictures of your dog from various angles, especially if they have distinctive markings or features. A further photo of you with your dog can help to prove ownership. Taking photos of your dog in various conditions can also help, such as with a groomed coat or an untidy one.
Speak to your local dog owners and share the Protect your Pooch information.
