London is the nation's dognapping hotspot, with a whopping 1,409 canine thefts reported in the last five years, new research has found.

A study by money.co.uk analysed Freedom of Information data on the number of dog thefts people have reported, as well as which breeds were most likely to be targeted. As the number of dog thefts continue to rise in the UK, it's important for owners to know the preventative steps to keep their pet safe.

Sadly, Croydon was the London borough that saw the most thefts (71), with Lewisham (67), Barnet (64) and Bromley (64) following close behind. Elsewhere around the UK, Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield also had some of the highest levels of dog thefts, with more reported crimes than anywhere else.

As well as this, they also discovered that Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs are among the breeds most likely to be swiped from owners due to their increasing popularity.

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Rob Giannese//Getty Images

"If you haven't already, it's vital that you ensure that your dog is microchipped, not least because it is now required by law," the team at money.co.uk urge. "This ensures that your dog can easily be identified and returned to you if they get lost. Furthermore, try to keep your dog in view when it's in the garden, especially in the front garden if it can be easily accessed from the street."

Take a look at the locations where your dog is most likely to be stolen...

11 UK locations where your dog is most likely to get stolen

  1. London (1,409 number of thefts in the last five years)
  2. Leeds (346)
  3. Bradford (244)
  4. Sheffield (129)
  5. Huddersfield (128)
  6. Blackpool (108)
  7. Newcastle upon Tyne & Sunderland (100)
  8. Bristol (95)
  9. Northampton (86)
  10. Plymouth (60)
  11. Leicester (56)

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.