The ADT pet report shows Cornwall and Devon to be way ahead of the game on pet theft, with 140.6 pet thefts per 100,000 people. This puts the area at the top of the league, with second and third places going to Northumbria and Lancashire being way behind.
The safest areas for pets are Surrey, West Midlands and Gwent.
The SW has had a big rise in pet theft numbers of over 80% since 2017.
Thefts in the area spiked in 2018 to almost 290 per 100,000 people before dropping rapidly to just under 11 in 2019 and birds are the most commonly stolen pet in the region, accounting for 86% of animal thefts.
Dogs make up the highest number of pet thefts, followed by birds, then cats.
Staffies top the league for stolen dogs, followed by chihuahuas, French bulldogs and German Shepherds.
The site advises people to:
Microchip pets
Be wary of what you place on social media
Walk in pairs especially after dark
Get a dog sitter and
Install home security
