Lincolnshire Police addressed public concerns over reports that pets, particularly dogs, are being targeted by criminals to steal to order.
Gill Finn, Community Safety Officer at Lincolnshire Police, said: “The hoax states that stickers are placed at the owners property to show what type of dog can be found there.
“Please rest assured that this is not being reported in Lincolnshire, although occasionally we do have the task of recovering one or two stolen pets.”
According to doglost.co.uk, a national database of lost dogs, there have been two dogs lost in the LN6 area since the beginning of 2013, and one in the LN4 area.
The website also has the facility to register your pets so that they can search their data base immediately, should your dog become lost or stolen.
Lincolnshire Police advise to microchip your pets as soon as you become the owner, to keep up to date photos of your pet as they age, and never leave your pet outside unattended.
Following your concerns around theft of dogs, we’ve checked and this is a national rumour. There is not truth in it and no need to worry.
— Lincolnshire Police (@lincspolice) March 15, 2013