The number of dog theft crimes in 2019 and their outcomes
30 April 2025
Our Ref: FOI2025/02794
REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 Ref No: FOI2025/02794
I write in connection with your request for information received on 31 March. I note you seek access to the following information:
What were the monthly number of dog theft crimes between January and December 2019?
What was the outcome (charge/summons, community resolution, active investigation, evidential difficulties, no suspect identified) for each dog theft crime in 2019?
If this question doesn't take us beyond the time required for free FOI feedback, can details about stolen dog breed and location of theft (walk, home, garden, outside shop, from car etc) also be provided for 2019 please?
Response
I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (The Act) to handle all requests in a manner that is blind to the identity of the requestor. Any information released in response to a request is regarded as being published and therefore, in the public domain without caveat.
Following enquiries within the Hertfordshire Constabulary, please see our response below.
There were 23 recorded offences in this time period
|
Outcomes |
No of recorded offences |
|
Type 14 - Evidential Difficulties Victim Based- Suspect Not Identified: Crime Confirmed But The Victim Either Declines Or Unable To Support Further Police Investigation To Identify The Offender |
3 |
|
Type 15 - Named Suspect Identified: Victim Supports Police Action But Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action |
5 |
|
Type 16 - Named Suspect Identified: Evidential Difficulties Prevent Further Action: Victim Does Not Support (Or Has Withdrawn Support From) Police Action |
3 |
|
Type 18 - Investigation Complete; No Suspect Identified. Crime Investigated As Far As Reasonably Possible-Case Closed Pending Further Investigative Opportunities Becoming Available |
12 |
|
Grand Total |
23 |
|
Breed of dog |
No of recorded offences |
|
1 x Jack Russell , 1 x Whippet |
1 |
|
Cockapoo |
1 |
|
Cocker Spaniel |
1 |
|
French Bulldog |
1 |
|
German Shepherd |
1 |
|
Gun Dog |
1 |
|
Italian Mastif |
1 |
|
Jack Russell Cross |
1 |
|
Lurcher |
2 |
|
Patterdale Terrier |
1 |
|
Pomeranian |
1 |
|
Pug |
1 |
|
Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Chihuahua cross |
1 |
|
Staffordshire Terrier |
1 |
|
Staffy type |
1 |
|
Not stated |
7 |
|
Grand Total |
23 |
|
Location |
No of recorded offences |
|
Field |
2 |
|
Garden |
6 |
|
House |
4 |
|
Shop |
1 |
|
Street |
6 |
|
Vehicle |
3 |
|
Work Premises |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
23 |
The numerical data presented in this response is an un-audited snapshot of un-published data sourced from "live" systems and is subject to the interpretation of the original request by the individual extracting the data.
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter please do not hesitate to contact me quoting the above reference number.
Yours sincerely
Information Rights
Hertfordshire Constabulary provides you the right to request an independent review of this response under its review procedure. If you require such a review, you must notify us within two months from the date of this letter. After lodging a complaint with Hertfordshire Constabulary if you are still dissatisfied with the decision, you may make an application to the Information Commissioner. For information on how to make a complaint please visit their website or contact them on 0303 123 1113.