Pet theft survey launched by Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner — Gloucestershire News Service – Gloucestershire News Service

Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson and, below. his own dog, West HIghland Terrier ‘Monty.’
More than 27,000 people across the UK know someone who was a victim of pet theft in 2020. But how big is the problem in Gloucestershire today?
That’s what Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson wants to find out during Pet Theft Awareness Week (14th – 21st March 2021), as he launches a new survey to identify problem areas and provide better intelligence to police.
The survey is available here: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=164458700361
“Pet theft was a hot topic during lockdown, following a survey by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, alongside Sussex PCC, Katy Bourne,” said a spokesperson.
“While the number of dog thefts in the county was very low, the fear of crime resulted in many dog owners becoming terrified of leaving their precious four-legged family members unattended.
“Mr Nelson, a dog-owner himself, took the fears of the public seriously and agreed that much more needed to be done.
“Since his election in May he has promoted a five-point plan to tackle dog theft; supported Gloucestershire Constabulary’s launch of the world’s first dog DNA scheme – DNA Protected; and successfully campaigned for tougher penalties for those who steal and trade stolen animals, as part of his role in the Government’s Pet Theft task force.
“The new survey launched by the Commissioner in collaboration with Gloucestershire Constabulary will gauge which measures pet owners are taking to protect their pets from theft, and provide information and guidance on ways they can help keep their animals safer.
“He hopes the survey will also provide intelligence to the Constabulary to tackle this type of crime, in support of the PCC’s Police and Crime Prevention Plan.
Mr Nelson said: “Pets are part of the family, and losing them to criminals is a very real concern for animal lovers in the county.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary is very progressive in its approach to tackling pet theft, having been the first force to launch DNA Protected, a DNA database for pets, but we can’t be complacent.
“I urge pet owners across the county to take a few minutes to fill in this survey. As well as offering helpful information about protecting your pets, the survey provides real intelligence to the Constabulary about your worries and concerns when it comes to pet theft. I want to ensure we’re doing all we can to tackle this issue.”
The survey will be available from Monday 14 March – Monday 28 March 2022, with the results collated and analysed shortly after by expert teams within the Constabulary.

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