Smuggled puppies at start of lockdown (Credit: Beth Walsh Photography) Dogs Trust MARCH 2020 The demand for puppies this year has been rife with overloaded rescue centres, inflated prices, greedy breeders and in the worst case, an increase in pet thefts. Bracknell has been no stranger to this, with dog theft cases being reported by walkers in the past few months. In October, a dog walker warned residents to be vigilant with their pets after spotting suspicious-looking men thought to be dog snatchers . Shelley Hayman from Ascot was walking in Chobham Common near Ascot when a man approached her on the path after coming out from the bushes.