A specific dog theft officer in Wiltshire is vital after a series of dognappings linked to the murder of Julia James, a PCSO, in Kent, according to prospective Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Liz Webster.

She raised concerns in December after an increase in the number of attempted thefts reported in Wiltshire. Since then, Liz asked Wiltshire Police to follow Nottinghamshire who introduced an officer with responsibility to investigate dog theft.

Wiltshire Police recently launched a Dog Watch Scheme to help share information and to help the police build up an intelligence picture of potential issues in a particular area.

The news comes as a series of dognappings is expected to be part of police investigations into the murder of a woman PCSO in woodland in Kent.

It was reported in The Times that Julia James, 53, was found dead after taking her Jack Russell terrier for a walk on Tuesday at around 4pm. Her dog was next to her body when it was discovered by officers.

Liz said it showed the importance of taking dog theft seriously and having a specific officer whose responsibility is to investigate the issue:

“Firstly, my heart goes out to the family of Julia James who lost her in this tragic incident. Dog theft has become a highly lucrative and organised criminal activity. Gangs are operating across the country and the violence has been escalating. It was always going to lead to a fatality and it’s absolutely tragic that this PCSO lost her life.

Liz claimed that Boris Johnson attended a meeting in his constituency in 2007 and promised to cure dog theft. “Fourteen years later and two years into his premiership, he’s done nothing to stop this damaging epidemic of a particularly upsetting crime. Last week, I helped police return a stolen Chihuaha, Paris, to her owner in Swindon. Alarmingly, PC Allen, who helped return Paris, told me that she was frightened to walk her dog. This is a serious problem in Wiltshire and although progress has been made more needs to be done.

“Recently I have heard reports of a woman being punched in the face in Corsham by thieves who attempted to steal her dog. This is not just anxiety online. This is a countrywide crime and Wiltshire is no exception. If I’m elected Wiltshire PCC, I will ensure Wiltshire Police take dog theft seriously and appoint a dog theft officer ASAP.”

Contact: Liz Webster 07973 104782