Puppy thieves have warned dog owners to keep a close eye on their dogs and to not let them run ahead.
Puppy thieving gangs can make huge profits on family pets they've lured away from their owners, before breeding them or rechipping and selling them on.
The demand for puppies during lockdown has been driving prices up astronomically, sometimes by as much as 450 percent.
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In a new short documentary by Vice, a North London-based gang said they would do whatever it takes to nab a dog including taking it from its owner - especially if they know a house has a litter in.
The gang also act wherever they spot the opportunity, even if that is in public.
One gang member told the interviewer: "We take dogs wherever we find them, whether it's actually going into the house or whatever to get them, whether it's a dog in the park we can lure away quickly.
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"My guy over there Jack, Jack's the guy that will get you any dog you need. He basically knows how to control dogs."
He explained they mainly target puppies, as a lot of the time their clients 'don't want a fully grown dog'.
Issuing a chilling warning to dog owners, he went on to say: "You've got to keep your eyes on your dog at all times.
"Don't just let your dog run ahead of you and run round the corner before you, because when that happens, we might be there."
When asked what he would say to someone who has had their dog stolen, he added: "I would say, get a new dog."
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Meanwhile, a thief from another gang said a French Bulldog can be bought for as little as £250 ($350) in Romania, where puppy farms are rife.
They could then sell it for up to £5,000 ($7,000) in the UK, simply by cutting out its microchip and replacing it, admitting this causes distress to the animals.
Asked by Vice reporter Livvy Haydock if they would call removing the chips animal abuse, one of the gang members responds: "Call it what you want. It's bread on the table."
Another dog thief, named as Jamie in the film, said that he has various dogs, all fitted with electric shock collars to control them.
His own dog, a pug, is one he also stole off someone else.
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He admitted he got attached to the dog, saying he is his 'number one responsibility', but added: "Times are hard, I've got a conscience, but this is what I do for money and I don't really think I'm actually harming anyone."
Featured Image Credit: ViceTopics: UK News, crime, Animals