Are we ever going to win the war against crime?Now that elections are looming, we’re tripping over pamphlets and posters of politicians trying to convince us that we are.

But the headlines don’t lie. We have more state pathologists deployed than we’ve ever had due to the upsurge in gangland and domestic murders. On top of that we now have what’s called ‘Tiger’ kidnappings.

Forget the boom. It’s the gloom of the Celtic Tiger we’re now experiencing. We scrimped through the eighties and now we’ve become a hungry shower, hell bent on biting off the hand that’s feeding us. We want more, and if we can’t have that, we’ll have what others have– all for free.

It’s not enough to be stealing cars, robbing banks and mugging unsuspecting tourists, now greedy low-lifes are jumping our fences, pinching our dogs and selling them off.

This sickening crime affects the most vulnerable– old people and young children who are shattered when discovering their pet has gone missing. Some will even get a note from the ‘dog nappers’ offering them the chance to buy their dog back.

Most can’t afford to pay the high ransom demanded, especially the elderly. To them their beloved pets are priceless and maybe all they have left in the world.

What happens to the dogs which aren’t sold off? They get dumped in remote places like the Dublin Mountains where they are left to fend for themselves. Most of us know what it’s like to lose a pet as a child. It’s heartbreaking. You think you’ll never get over it and sometimes you don’t, because you always remember what the pain was like.

At the moment, thieves are targeting much sought-after pure-breds like Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland Terriers, and Alsatians. These dogs possess a particular type of nature or function which suits each potential owner. For example, ‘Yorkies’ are a small breed and don’t shed hair. They are considered the perfect house dog and are popular with the elderly or those living alone.

A dear pet to buy, they make a likely target for dog thieves. Dog breeding is huge in this country. If you’re a potential owner, never buy a dog from a breeder unless the dog is micro-chipped and comes with the relevant papers. Otherwise, you won’t know the dog’s origins. Unfortunately, people’s desire for a particular breed means they ‘unwittingly’ accept a stolen dog when offered one.

For further information or advice call: Dogs Aid (01) 8420186.

A few tips
* If you are seriously considering getting a dog, please visit the dog shelters. They are full of dogs that need homes. There is always a dog to suit you.
* If you are buying from a breeder, check they are reputable and don’t accept a dog which is not micro-chipped or does not have the relevant papers.
* While out walking your dog, beware of strangers stopping to ask you about your dog’s particulars, i.e. breed, sex, age etc.
* Leave your dog at home when nipping out to the shops. Tying your pet to a lamppost is ample opportunity for dog thieves.
* Don’t presume all breeds are safe from dog nappers. Mix breeds are becoming very popular.