Attempted dog thefts in my area

Here on the West Country/South Wales border, we have had a number of dog thefts lately as well as people attempting to grab dogs from owners. Most of the incidents involve men in white vans. The police are advising dog owners to vary the times and routes of their walks and to beware of anyone showing an interest in your dog. It's all really scary.

That was happening in my area but men who seen people walking certain breeds of dogs would follow them home and went back when it was getting dark and would put yellow or other colour cable ties on drain pipes or fences to let the thiefs know a good dog to take lived there

That is very frightening to hear. How cruel and shocking. Mind you if they took our old pooch they might bring him back when they discover he's got dementia, is deaf and partially incontinent (doesn t realise when he's pooped indoors) poor old boy.