UK's most stolen dogs: West Midlands named among safest areas to keep pets according to ADT Pet Theft Report

The West Midlands has been named as the second safest spot in the UK for pets. This is according to data collected by security company ADT.

The data was collected through requests to police forces regarding the number of stolen pets. The region was second only to Surrey with Gwent in South Wales coming in at three.

ADT requested information from police forces across the country on the number of reported pet thefts over the last five years. They also asked for which types of dog breeds are the most commonly stolen.

The top three safest spots for pets in the UK are listed below. For all three, including the West Midlands, information including which are the most commonly stolen dog breeds in each area is also included.

 1. Surrey 6.8 pet thefts per 100,000 people

Taking the top spot is Surrey, with just under seven pet thefts per 100,000 people over the last five years. The region has a remarkably low number of pet thefts, going as low as four recorded thefts in 2019, nearly 10 times less than its peak in 2017 of only 38.

2. West Midlands 10.4 pet thefts per 100,000 people

Up next is the West Midlands, with only 10.4 pet thefts per 100,000 people over the last five years. Like other jurisdictions, dogs are the most commonly stolen pets with Staffies being the most stolen breed, followed closely by Chihuahuas.

3. Gwent 13.9 pet thefts per 100,000 people

Taking third place is Gwent, in South Wales. Unlike many other areas, Gwent Police have not recorded any dog thefts over the last five years making it one of the safest places for our four-legged friends.

The UK’s pet theft hotspots

Conversely, the places seeing the most pet thefts are Devon and Cornwall, Northumbria and Lancashire. More information on the most stolen pets in each area is detailed below.

1. Devon and Cornwall 140.6 pet thefts per 100,000 people

Devon and Cornwall have the unfortunate title of the UK’s pet theft hotspot, with the Police jurisdiction recording more than 140 stolen pets per 100,000 people since 2017. Our feathered friends make up the majority of the victims of these crimes, with more than 1500 recorded instances of bird theft since 2017.

2. Northumbria 61.5 pet thefts per 100,000 people

Next up is Northumbria recording slightly more than 62 pet thefts per 100,000 people over the last five years. If you have a canine companion you should be wary in this area as they’re the most likely victims, with 437 recorded dog thefts since 2017.

3. Lancashire 52.9 pet thefts per 100,000 people

Taking third place is this region in the northeast with over 50 pet thefts per 100,000 people since 2017. Much like Northumbria, dogs are the most commonly stolen pets, with an average of 117 stolen each year.