Covid-19 lockdown periods have been a boon for crime rates . In some areas, the decline in crime has been considerable.
In the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 32 per cent reduction in total crime excluding fraud and computer misuse during April and May last year.
With more people at home, fewer criminals dared to commit burglary during the pandemic - some prudently eschewed risky in-person encounters with homeowners.
However, crime in some categories noticeably increased. One was dog theft, where criminal activity flourished as demand for the cuddly four-legged friends soared.
Criminal gangs prefer stealing puppies as they can often quickly sell them on online to families in search of a companion.
Loopholes in British law may have assisted them. UK law permits a grace period of eight weeks after the dog's birth before it must be fitted with a tiny microchip containing the owner's contact details and an ID number.
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