TIM DREW: Reducing the risk of pet theft and prank calls

1,800 dogs were reported stolen in 2016 and the home and garden have been identified as the prime target areas for pet theft.

Dogs Trust has produced a new video ‘family pawtraits’ which sets out the need for dog owners to be vigilant and not leave their dogs unattended in public areas, while also recommending a number of small changes they can make to help protect their pet.

Remembering the following three keywords should reduce the risk of theft and offer the best possible chance of being reunited with your dog should it go missing:

• Safe – secure your property and garden.

• Spottable – keep your dog in sight and trained to return.

• Searchable – know what steps to take if it goes go missing.

Meanwhile, another scam has emerged whereby the fraudsters call your mobile but hang up as soon as it starts ringing.

This then shows up on the phone as a missed call.

The number used by the crooks incurs high-premium-rate charges that can be as much as £15 a call, and these can be applied just for connecting the call, regardless of how long you stay on the line.

But, in some cases, you will also hear a long recorded message designed to keep you hanging on for as long as possible so that the charges mount up.

The rule here is never to call a number back automatically. If a call is genuine, the caller should leave you a voicemail message.

The Tarring Community Forum will meet at 7pm at the West Worthing Baptist Church Centre, South Street, Tarring, next Thursday, March 13.

Prior to this, a litter pick will take place between 10am and 11am at Tarring Park on Saturday.

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