More dogs were reported stolen in Sussex last year than in previous years, new figures have revealed.

A missing pets charity said an increase in dog thefts across the UK is linked to the coronavirus pandemic and warned new owners might accidentally be buying stolen dogs.

Sussex Police recorded 35 dog thefts in 2021, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from Direct Line Pet Insurance.

This was up from 31 in 2020, but a decrease from 55 in 2019 – before the pandemic.

Across the UK, 2,077 dogs were reported stolen to 35 police forces which responded to the FOI request, though Direct Line Pet Insurance estimates the real figure could be higher.

This was up from 2,438 in 2020 and the highest number since its records began in 2015.

Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “It’s devastating to see the number of dogs stolen continue to increase across the country.

"Unfortunately, the increase in dog ownership since the pandemic began and the subsequent rise in prices of these animals seems to make the crime even more appealing to thieves."

She said dog owners should take precautions such as keeping their pets on a lead when in busy areas and avoid leaving a dog tied up outside a shop or inside an empty car.

Surrey had a rate of just two dog thefts per 100,000 households.

In Sussex, the rate was five.

Along with an increase in thefts across the UK, the proportion of pooches returned to their owners also rose last year to 22 per cent.

The Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance said the demand for dogs during lockdown caused a "huge spike" in them being stolen for breeding.

Debbie Matthews, chief executive of the charity, said: "Dogs were also essentially being stolen ‘to order’ for people who were looking for a certain breed, but would never know that they were receiving a stolen dog.

"We would always recommend that a new owner gets the pet’s microchip registration checked as soon as possible."

Direct Line Pet Insurance said French bulldogs were the most stolen breed, followed by Jack Russells, chihuahuas and pugs.