Police have revealed areas in the UK which are becoming a breeding ground for dog napping and criminal activity related to the pet trade.

Dog owners have been warned about strangers taking pictures of their dogs during walks as well as markings appearing on pavements outside their homes.

Kent has been identified as the biggest dognapping ‘hotspot’ with authorities linking the rise in thefts in the area to the proximity to the channel tunnel.

They believed that criminals are taking dogs from their owners and smuggling them out of the country.

Sylvia Tabor from charity Dog Theft Action said: “For thieves, the rewards can be high and the risks low. So it’s sadly seen as easy money.

“In law, dogs are classed as property like a TV, so sentences are low for taking a living creature away from its family.

“Unfortunately, it can also often be seen as a low priority by police.”

Sylvia then added: “Staffies seem particularly high on the list as they can be used in dog fighting and as guard dogs.”

Tragically, the majority of dogs stolen from families are never recovered, leaving pet owners wondering what became of their beloved pooches.

For more information visit www.dogtheftaction.com

Pictured: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most popular breed targeted by criminals.