Most stolen pets in each London borough as 600 animals stolen in capital in 12 months
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Stats obtained from the Metropolitan Police have shown that 597 animals were illegally taken in the 12 months from March 2023 – down from the 1,650 logged in 2022-23. Across the capital, dogs were the most frequently stolen pet, with 309 taken. This is followed by 164 cat thefts and 124 stolen birds.
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When boroughs are broken down, there is a huge discrepancy as to which animals are stolen and where, with 115 offences being logged in Hounslow – far more than anywhere else. The Standard has approached the Met for comment. Here is the full borough by borough breakdown.
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Seven dogs, five cats and one reptile were stolen. Thirteen cats, six dogs and three other mammals were taken. Ten dogs were stolen, as were one cat and one other mammal. Brent saw 25 birds, eight dogs and seven cats taken. In Bromley it was a similar story, with 11 dogs, four cats and two reptiles stolen – as were 10 mammals.
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In Camden, 10 dogs and five cats were nicked. Further south, Croydon saw 11 dogs stolen, and 10 fish, four cats and two reptiles. Cats were the most popular item to steal in Ealing with 10 taken, as well as eight dogs, one bird and one reptile. Eleven dogs were taken, as were eight cats.
In the south-eastern borough, 12 dogs, three cats and one reptile were stolen. Hackney had reports of eight dogs and seven cats taken. On the west side, eight dogs and one cat were stolen. Ten dogs and four cats were taken in Haringey. Harrow has the lowest number of thefts in London, with four dogs and two cats.
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