Dog walkers are increasingly being targeted by violent criminals intent on stealing their high value pets to sell on for profit.
Demand for dogs has soared during the pandemic and police saw thefts increase by two thirds in the first lockdown.
But it is the increasingly violent nature of some of these crimes that is causing added concern.
Mike Jasper was walking his sprocker spaniel Ted when he was approached by a man who started questioning him about the animal.
He was then assaulted and his beloved pet was stolen. Advertisement Image: Ted the sprocker spaniel was stolen from Cannon Hill Common in south London