Owners of lost and stolen dogs are being asked to be on their guard for a man demanding money for their return.
Numerous owners have been called by a man who says he has their dog and will harm him if they don’t pay £400 or £500 into a Post Office. Owners who have asked for photographic evidence that he has the dog are faced with aggressive behaviour.
One owner – who asked not to be named – said, “Fortunately I had taken advice from DogLost and I immediately asked for some evidence that he had my dog. Although I had been warned it was a hoax, the caller was very abusive and threatening.”
Like most of the calls that are being made from the withheld number, this owner was told he had 10 minutes to take the money to the Post Office.
Said DogLost Police Coordinator, Jane Frankland “Sometimes he states he knows where owners live, but that’s impossible as only telephone numbers or emails are displayed on websites where the missing dog is listed.”
Unfortunately a number of dog owners have been taken in and police across a number of counties are investigating.
Owners confronted by a person demanding money for the return of their dog should phone the police on 101 immediately.
Anyone with information on the alleged extortionist should contact investigations@doglost.co.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 in complete confidence.
