Topic ID 1932
Press release from Herts Police APPEAL FOR INFORMATION FOLLOWING DOG THEFT DETECTIVES are appealing for information following an incident in the east of the county where a dog owner was forced to part with £1,000 to have her dog back. The incident happened last month when a woman had her dog stolen from her back garden. The following day she received a text message on her mobile phone, as that was the number on the collar, demanding £1,000 for the return of her dog. The offenders said they were called the ‘Hertfordshire Dog Knappers’ and if she called the police, they would kill her dog. The woman paid the money and had her dog returned the following day. Detective Constable Abby Tipping, from Eastern Area Crime Unit, investigating the incident, said: “This was a nasty incident which left the owner feeling vulnerable and scared both for herself and her pet. Unfortunately, we do not think this incident is isolated and are keen to hear from anyone who may have been through a similar experience after their dog was taken. “I would urge anyone with any information, or who may think they know who these individuals are to contact me without delay.” Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Tipping on 01992 533032 or by calling Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.