MORE than 60 dogs have been reported stolen in the city over the last five years.

However, Brighton and Hove seems to be bucking the trend amid a dramatic rise in so-called "dognapping" nationally.

A Freedom of Information (FoI) request shows reported dog thefts in the city reached a peak in 2019.

In that year, 17 dogs were reported stolen from Brighton and Hove.

Estimates for last year showed dramatic 250 per cent increase in dog thefts nationally.

However, reports in Brighton and Hove fell dramatically in 2020, falling by 11 to six.

The FoI accepts some reports may be missing if the officer did not fill out "property type" or "location" fields.

The full figures are:

2015: 9

2016: 5

2017: 11

2018: 13

2019: 17

2020: 6

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "The force now has a Rural Crime Unit and two officers within the unit are dedicated to the operational response to dog theft "Op Collar" dealing with the follow-on from community intelligence and linking in with partners around similar issues, for example puppy farming.

"A number of warrants have been conducted in recent months in relation to the latter. We would expect outcomes to filter through in due course.

"As you can see the number of thefts in Brighton and Hove is relatively low, being less than one per month reported to the police.

"We do appreciate that the theft of a pet has a huge impact though and take that into account in our response and week to follow up all evidential opportunities as we appreciate that there is organised criminality involved.

"Dog theft is a priority for the team and the force given the change in market forces and the opportunities this has created for organised criminality. "

Sussex Police recorded 31 dog thefts in countywide in 2020, but at least 12 of those were disputes over dog ownership between known parties.

The force has advised owners to consider taking the following steps:

• Ensuring your pet is microchipped and registered with up to date information.

• Investing in a collar and name tag, and use your surname rather than your pet’s name on name tags. Make sure to include your telephone number so you can be easily contacted if your pet is found. Your dog should always wear a collar and ID tag as this is a legal requirement when your dog is in a public place.

• Taking plenty of clear photos of your pet and remember to include any distinctive markings that could identify them.

• Not leaving your dog unattended in the garden, the car or outside shops if at all possible.

• Review your social media security settings, and be careful with the details you share, especially when it comes to your pets, your location or your favourite walking spots.

• Pay attention to your surroundings and know where your dog is at all times when out walking. Be mindful of anyone trying to distract you or draw your dog’s attention away from you. If you feel that someone is following or watching you and your dog in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, move away from them and call police.

• We know that some dogs may live in kennels outside. Please ensure you make it as hard as possible for some to break in. Use multiple locks and have CCTV cameras covering the kennel as a deterrent.

• Ensure all gates are locked at top and bottom with a shoot bolt and padlock.

• Ensure gardens and yards are secure so that no one can gain entry or pull your dog out. Make sure fences and hedges are secure, with no gaps that a dog can squeeze through.

• Consider driveway alarms and CCTV – these can act as a visual as well as a physical deterrent.