THEFT of dogs in the Forest and Wye Valley has entered a new and disturbing phase with huge ransoms being sought for stolen pets.
Warned not to contact police or lose their dog forever, one couple recently paid several hundred pounds to extortionists, says a woman who is recording pet thefts and who wants everyone to know the crime is on the increase here.
The Review was able to verify her claim that ransoms are being demanded from distraught pet owners and that they have paid up rather than lose loved animals; in all cases the victims wanted anonymity to avoid reprisals and said they had increased their security and vigilance.
"After stealing the pet the thieves wait for owners to put up contact details in the papers or on posters then text the numbers given with their demands," she said.
A clandestine meeting in a remote location is then arranged for the exchange of cash for the animal, though the owner has no real reassurances that the pet will be returned.
"Luckily most pets are returned. But owners fear robbery and worse because of course nobody else is around," said Forest dog-lover Helen Szuluk.
She said she realised the pressures owners were under but urged them to contact police on 0845 090 1234 as soon as a pet went missing or they suspected theft. And if ransom demands were made the police should know at once.
"It is vital somebody stands up to these people or they will just go on getting away with it in this area," Helen said.
Anyone who had lost a pet could also call her (Dean 560670) and discuss the case and it would go into her dossier.
"I want to make sure these people are caught and they never do this sort of thing again," she said.