Experts come together to better understand the scale and impact of pet theft
On 12 May, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne attended the first meeting of the Government's Pet Theft Taskforce on behalf of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
She said: "I am delighted to have participated in the inaugural meeting of the Pet Theft Taskforce today and to hear the presentations of evidence from leading figures coming together to better understand the scale and impact of pet theft.
"With more meetings of the Taskforce ahead it is too soon to say what recommendations will emerge but it was reassuring to hear that there are already technical measures and processes which might be implemented or improved.
"What is clear from the feedback which Police and Crime Commissioners have already received is that data sharing and analysis will be central to support an improved police response to pet theft.
"I want to reassure the 125,000 people who responded to our national PCC survey on dog theft that I want police and partners better informed and equipped to tackle the opportunists and organised criminals involved in dog theft.”