Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed that there were 1,909 reports of stolen dogs in 2017, with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier holding onto the dubious accolade of being 'Britain's most stolen'.

Direct Line made Freedom of Information requests to 44 police forces in the UK, of which 38 were able to provide usable data. 

The number of dogs reported stolen in 2017 was 7% up on 2016, which in turn was 14% higher than in 2015.

In second place after Staffies (210 thefts) came crossbreeds (82 thefts), followed by French Bulldogs (61 thefts).

Geographically, the canine crime capital of the UK is, wait for it ... Yorkshire. Eeh by gum. 

There were 346 reported dog thefts in Yorkshire and the Humberside, compared to 312 in the North West and 216 in the South East. 

If you want to reduce your chances of being the victim of crime by owning the least stolen dog in the safest area, the data suggests you should buy a Springer and go and live in Wales.

Photo: English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Nieuwland Photography / Shutterstock.

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