Boris hunting dog thieves

Updated 11.59 Mon Mar 12 2007

Keywords: Dogs, Boris Johnson

Tory MP Boris Johnson has pledged his support to find dog thieves after a string of thefts in his Oxfordshire constituency.

Up to 53 dogs have been stolen in Henley on Thames in the past six months, leading to a deluge of requests for help.

Mr Johnson told a public meeting that he and fellow Tory MP Richard Benyon, who represents Newbury, have "grave concerns" about dog theft

Mr Johnson told a public meeting that he and fellow Tory MP Richard Benyon, who represents Newbury, have "grave concerns" about dog theft.

He said he believed many of the thefts are down to one organised group and he is determined to trace them.

He added that, as a dog lover who grew up with the animals, he is aware that victims are not just struck financially, but emotionally as well.

Mr Benyon said: "Dog theft is a horrible crime which causes great distress. I am working with Thames Valley Police and the local dog warden service to make sure that everything is being done to make life as hard as possible for those carrying out these crimes."

The two politicians were joined by Michael Colston, who is behind a Dogwatch email alert network, gamekeepers and local police officers.

Mr Colston, a farmer who went into action after one of his staff had a dog stolen, said gun dogs and working dogs, some worth up to £3,000, were common targets.

He said dogs are stolen because of their value, to be used in dog fighting or even so that money can be extorted from the owner.

A 2006 report by the Metropolitan Police found that more than half of dogs stolen were Staffordshire bull terriers, followed by rottweilers and German shepherds.

Officers said Staffordshire bull terriers could be used to commit crime, particularly by drug dealers who want to protect their assets.