Dog thefts

Just to warn you all that there were 3 incidents, just today, of suspected dog thieves locally - 1 on the Manor estate, Hemel , 1 in Woodhall Farm Hemel and one in the Quadrant, St Albans. Thieves are described as Eastern European or Irish.
The pattern is that they pretend that they are thinking of getting a dog and ask the owners questions about theirs. The other is grab and run or threaten the owner.
There was also a dog walker in Barnet who had her van stolen with all the dogs in it. Another reason why we (as a business) don’t advertise on or in our vehicles.
The police are selling this. It’s legal to use - https://www.police-supplies.co.uk/farb-gel-self-defence-spray

They do mainly seem to be operating near roads where they can make a quick getaway.
Stay safe and vigilant.