Royal Tunbridge Wells is a town of many dog lovers.

We have all noticed a significant increase in dog thefts and suspicious activity, that may be linked to the crime, in and around Tunbridge Wells and nationally, with a 250% rise in some areas. 

We in Tunbridge Wells, support the call for tougher sentences for pet thieves. Pet theft is wrongly categorised as robbery or burglary, in the same category as the theft of an inanimate object and this, unfortunately, leads to minimal sentences.

A specific offence for pet theft is needed to deter criminals and to properly punish those guilty of the theft.

This is a cross-party issue, with Labour and Conservative MP's already behind the initiative.  We would like Greg Clark MP to note that this town of many dog lovers, would like him to join the call to make dog theft a specific offence.

Dogs are family members, not objects.