THE top 10 ‘pet theft hotspots’ in the UK have been revealed amid soaring numbers of animals reported missing.
Missing pet incidents have skyrocketed by 170 per cent since 2019 with data now revealing the towns and cities where your furry friends are most at risk.
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Over 25,000 pets have been reported missing since the beginning of 2023, with estimates showing six pets vanish every day.
Locksmith Luton analysed missing pet data from trusted sources like Animal Search UK and Pets Reunited to determine which towns and cities have the highest rates of missing pets over the past 12 months.
And it turns out if you live in Manchester you should be extra careful about your furry friend.
Manchester tops the list with a jaw-dropping 236 cases of missing pets reported each year. That’s a shocking 17.93 pets disappearing for every 10,000 residents.
Huddersfield takes second place with 12.01 missing pets for every 10,000 people.
While the average number of missing pets stands at 59 – nearly 75 per cent fewer than Manchester – figures are still significant given the West Yorkshire town’s population.
In third place is Warrington in Cheshire with a staggering 11.91 reported missing pet cases per 10,000 residents.
Another West Yorkshire town features in the top ten with Bradford coming in fourth place.
An average of 102 missing pets were reported over the last year, which equates to 10.22 cases per 10,000 people.
Rounding off the top five areas most at risk of pets going missing is Newcastle with 9.56 missing pets per 10,000 people.
The experts also looked at the areas which are safest for pet owners – and found that, on the whole, Scottish cities are among the safest with four locations featuring in the top 10 low-risk areas.
Dundee claims the top spot as the safest city for your furry friends, with only 5 reported missing pet cases on average.
This equates to an incredibly low 1.02 cases per 10,000 residents.
Swansea takes second place with just 1.20 missing pets per 10,000 people.
The Welsh coastal city recorded a modest annual average of 12 missing pet reports, offering peace of mind for pet-loving families.
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Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, ranks third, with a mere 1.44 missing pet cases per 10,000 residents.
Known for its historic charm and green spaces, Edinburgh provides a relatively safe haven for pets.
York lands in fourth place, reporting just 8 missing pets over the past year.
That’s a reassuringly low rate of 1.56 cases per 10,000 people.
Completing the top five, Aberdeen offers pet owners comfort with an annual average of 10.67 missing pet cases, translating to 1.63 cases per 10,000 residents.
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Four expert tips to prevent your pet from getting lost
TO help pet owners avoid the pain of losing their beloved companion, security experts at Locksmith Luton have also shared some tips on preventing your pets from getting lost…
- Establish a routine and supervise outdoor time
Pets thrive on routine, and consistent schedules can reduce the likelihood of wandering. Feed them, walk them, and play with them at the same times each day to create structure. When outdoors, always supervise their activities, even in a fenced area. Consistent supervision minimises the chances of your pet straying too far or encountering dangers.
- Secure your home and garden
Take steps to make your home escape-proof. Fix any broken fences, ensure gates are always latched, and check for gaps where a curious pet might squeeze through. Indoors, keep doors and windows secure, especially when people are entering or leaving. If you have a dog, consider using a leash in unfenced areas to prevent wandering, especially during walks or outdoor playtime.
- Train your pet to respond to commands
Teaching your pet basic recall commands like ‘come’ or ‘stay’ can be life-saving. Start training in a controlled environment and gradually introduce distractions. Reinforce their response with treats and positive reinforcement. Training not only strengthens your bond but ensures that your pet will return to you if they wander too far.
- Microchip your pet and keep information up-to-date
Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to link your pet to you in case they go missing. Ensure the microchip is registered with your current contact information and any alternate phone numbers. Additionally, equip your pet with a durable collar that includes an ID tag showing your phone number and address for quick contact if they’re found.
