Police warn pet owners to be vigilant after dogs removed from kennels in Bedfordshire

Police are urging dog owners to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity after a report of dog kennels being broken into on Sunday evening in North Bedfordshire.

A black labrador, two cocker spaniels and five English springer spaniels, were taken from the kennels.

Officers from the Operation Sentinel Rural team - the force's dedicated team which deals with specifically rural crimes - have issued the following advice to dog owners:

- Avoid leaving dogs in outside kennels if at all possible. If not possible, then make sure the kennels are alarmed.

- Ensure all gates are locked at top and bottom with a shoot bolt and padlock and consider fitting a bell or gate alarm.

- Keep an ID tag on your dog at all times.

- Never leave your pet in the garden unattended.

- Make sure your dog is microchipped and their details are updated so that they can be returned if they are stolen and subsequently found.

There were also 2 attempted dog thefts on Sunday evening in Bedfordshire, and one in the Hertfordshire area.