Revealed: The dogs reported stolen most often in Cheshire

Ninety-five dogs were reported stolen to Cheshire Constabulary between 2011 and 2014 – but only three people were charged with crimes.

Figures released to the Chronicle under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the most targeted breed, with a total of 25 reported stolen.

While police received 89 reports of canine thefts over the four-year period, charges were brought just three times and one person received a simple caution.

In two cases, more than one dog was reported stolen during the same incident – two miniature Yorkshire Terriers from Ellesmere Port in June 2014, and two Chihuahuas, three Chihuahua puppies, three Border Terriers and one Jack Russell from Crewe in November 2014.

The worst year for the county’s dog owners was 2012, when 27 reports of dog thefts were made.

The figure dropped to 22 in 2013 and again in 2014 to 16.

In September 2013, Baxter the Yorkshire Terrier was stolen from his owners’ home in Guilden Sutton while they slept.

The Chronicle featured the campaign to find Baxter and, happily, he was reunited with the McGrath family in less than a week.

Albie Brocklehurst, from Chester, was given a six-month jail sentence for handling stolen goods after buying the stolen puppy as a present for his mum.

Police recommend making sure your pooch wears a collar and identification tag and is microchipped.

Insp Paul Loughlin, from Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Thankfully we have had no dog thefts in Chester this year to date.

“However, pets are very much a part of the family so it is distressing to discover your dog has been stolen, which is why it is very important to ensure your dog is microchipped - that way if it is stolen and is subsequently found, you can be reunited.

“You can also secure your home making it difficult for thieves and report suspicious activity on 101.”