Page last updated at 08:46 GMT, Wednesday, February 29 2012

Dog Theft

Dark evenings are a good time for opportunist dog thieves to steal dogs while they are being exercised off lead by owners.  Make sure your dog is very visible by using flashing lights, and high visibility/reflective collars or jackets.  If your dog is likely to range away from you then keep to open areas where you can see all round you.  Keep less biddable dogs on lead for their own safety and always take a mobile phone with you so you can get help in an emergency.