Two more dogs stolen in Kent, one of the UK's dog theft hotspots

Incidents of dog thefts are rising across parts of the UK, with 1,626 dogs reported stolen during 2025

Two dogs have been stolen from a property in Kent and police are appealing for witnesses. Kent Police said the two bitches were snatched after an agricultural barn in Sevenoaks was broken into.

During 2025, figures show 1,626 dogs across the UK were reported stolen, that equates to around four a day. Kent remains one of the worst-hit places, despite a sizeable fall in its 2024 reported cases of 152 to last year's 109.

That puts Kent third in the police areas with highest reported dog thefts, behind only the Metropolitan Police at, at 214, and West Yorkshire, at 114.

This latest reported theft happened at the barn in Penn Lane in Ide Hill between 8.30pm and midnight on Tuesday (August 11). Nelly, picture above on the left, is a liver and white Springer Spaniel, and Betty is a black Cocker Spaniel.

Officers are urging anyone who was in the area around the time and may have seen suspicious activity or vehicles to get in touch by calling 01622 604100 and quoting 46/132411/26.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete its online form.

The Pet Abduction Act came into force in England and Northern Ireland in 2024, making pet theft a specific criminal offence. The Metropolitan Police area logged the highest number of dog theft reports in the UK last year, with 214 dogs reported stolen in 2025.

The Metropolitan Police provides services for the Greater London area (excluding the City of London) and its 8.6 million residents.

Among the statistics, Lancashire had the highest rise in cases, with reports rising from 41 in 2024 to 107 in 2025. Hertfordshire and Humberside also saw substantial increases.

Top 10 police areas for reported dog thefts in 2025