Dognappers are striking every five hours on average across Britain with certain breeds in particular being targeted.
AdvertisementMore than 1,800 dogs have been stolen across the country in the last 18 months with thieves selling the animals on the black market or sending them into dog-fighting.
58 dogs have been stolen across Lancashire in that period with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier comfortably the most targeted at 15 – a trend reflected across the country.
There has also been a number of pugs stolen across the county in this period.
The problem is worse for areas such as West Yorkshire with 231 stolen from that region while only six were stolen in Northamptonshire.
From April, it became compulsory for dogs to be microchipped and registered on the National Canine Database in a bid to deter thieves.
MORE: How to get your dog microchipped
Animal Welfare charity Blue Cross hope new laws could be introduced to help combat pet thieves.
Blue Cross public affairs officer Becky Thwaites said: “The effect of having your pet stolen can be absolutely devastating for owners.
“This is why we want the government to do more to deal with this increasing problem.”