Do you recognise any of these stolen dogs?

As we are sadly aware, dog theft is on the rise. Last month Suffolk police seized 80 stolen dogs in a police operation and are now trying to reunite them with their owners.

The dogs of various breeds and ages were found at a site near Ipswich on 20 March but as yet none of the animals have been reunited with their owners.

Can you help Suffolk police?

The police are appealing for further information. If you believe one of the dogs is yours, contact the investigation team here opscout@suffolk.pnn.police.uk  by 24 May 2021.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wallace, Senior Investigating Officer for the Suffolk operation, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who believes any of the dogs in the images may be theirs. During the last few weeks officers have been liaising with other police forces around the country, as well as conducting a number of other enquiries, in order to establish where the dogs may have originated from.”

Anyone who believes they can provide proof of ownership should email the investigation team by 24 May.

Proof of ownership can include:

• Veterinary/vaccination records clearly identifying the dogs.
• Pictures of the dog with any distinctive markings/scars/distinguishing features.
• Any details of microchipping – however, please note, all these dogs either do not have microchips or have chips which may not be correctly registered.
• Other pictures of the dog(s) which prove ownership during the dog’s life.
• Any purchase details, including details of where the dog was purchased from and/or receipts.
• Any records of reporting the dog(s) lost/stolen either to police or on other websites/charities.

Many of the dogs have been lost, stolen and moved on over a lengthy time, so may not look exactly as they did when last seen.

After the March operation police arrested six people on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.

Suspects arrested

Six people were arrested in connection with the operation in March.

A 39-year-old man, two 34-year-old men and three women aged 46, 41 and 35 were taken in for  questioning. Four of the six have since had their bail date extended to Thursday 17 June.

The other two people – the 34-year-old man and the 35-year-old woman – have been released and will face no further action at this time.