More dogs stolen in Thames Valley, like missing Tilly from Long Hanborough

New figures reveal that 85 dogs were reported stolen in the Thames Valley region in 2018, up from 47 in 2016.

DogLost, which collected the statistics from Thames Valley Police, said the rapid surge in numbers was 'shocking.'

Justine Quirk, a volunteer at the charity, said: "For the past three years, national dog theft figures have grown significantly.

"However, we are shocked by the figures shared by Thames Valley Police.

"The families of these stolen dogs live in a constant nightmare, worrying about where their much-loved family member is and whether they are being cared for."

It is thought the actual number of stolen dogs could be much higher, as some go unreported or remain listed as missing.

Ms Quirk added: "The sad fact is, many of the dogs that we still have listed as missing on our database are likely to have been a victim of theft by finding."

One dog listed as stolen last year was Tilly the Tibetan Terrier, who ran off while being walked near her home in Long Hanborough.

READ AGAIN: 'Heartbroken' family renew appeal to find missing Tilly

She scarpered in September after being spooked by a group of dogs, and no confirmed sightings have been made since that day.

Her owner Victoria Calcutt, who is still desperately searching for her beloved pet, believes Tilly was stolen as she vanished without a trace.

The business owner, who lives with her husband and their eight-year-old daughter, said: "We know that she made it to North Leigh as she was seen there and tracker dogs followed her scent to the place of the last confirmed sighting.

"After that, she just disappeared."

Mrs Calcutt said the family is confident Tilly was not run over as the highways agency did not log any accidents involving dogs in the following weeks.

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She said: "We firmly believe that Tilly has been found and kept by someone, or they’ve sold her on – maybe to an unsuspecting family.

"Tilly is microchipped and spayed and missed very much by us all and we desperately want her home.

"We're never going to give up looking for her and we hope that anyone reading this who may have any information on Tilly will contact DogLost."

Anyone who can help or who sees a dog that looks like Tilly can call the charity on 0844 800 3220.

Missing dog Tilly

Any stray dog found must be reported to the local authorities or a dog warden, as failing to do so and taking it in is classed as theft by finding.

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DogLost issued advice to dog owners to protect their pets, stating: "Owners should try to limit the risk of their dogs being stolen by not leaving them unattended in vehicles or tied up outside shops, schools or other public places.

"Sadly even secure gardens aren’t a deterrent to a would-be thief, so we do advise keeping an eye on them when they are in your garden too."

In 2016 the case of the 'Faringdon four' hit national headlines, after thieves slashed open the fence of a Faringdon garden and stole three Japanese Spitz dogs and a Cocker Spaniel.

A huge social media appeal helped to reunite the dogs with their owner months later - one was found in Temple Cowley and the others in Coventry and Birmingham.

Mrs Calcutt has also launched a social media campaign for Tilly, tweeting from the account @Tillymissing and posting from a Facebook page which has gathered more than 2,400 members.

Should the worst happen and a dog is stolen, DogLost recommends pet owners:

- Report the theft to police immediately via 101 and obtain a crime reference number

- Contact the microchip company and report the dog as stolen

- Get in touch with DogLost, which will supply printable poster templates to share locally, help with a social media appeal and offer support

- Don’t give up, DogLost has been involved in cases in which dogs have been found and reunited years later