Less than a quarter of dogs reported stolen in Kent are recovered, according to data published today.

An investigation by Direct Line Pet Insurance showed 105 canines were taken in 2016 and only 25 were reunited with their owners.

There has also been a 22% rise in the number of dogs stolen in Kent between 2014 and 2016.

The most popular breeds taken across the UK are Staffordshire bull terriers, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russells.

French bulldogs, Labradors, Lurchers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels are also among those most targeted by thieves.

Across the UK a total of 1,774 dogs were snatched with only 21% (372) being recovered.

But the company also found the actual number of dogs stolen is much greater than the amount of cases reported to the police.

Some 1.5 million adults say they have had a dog stolen from their care in the last five years.

Of these, nearly a quarter (23%) had the animal stolen from their garden, while 11% claim to have had their dog stolen from their home and another 11% whilst out on a walk.

The figures came from data supplied following a Freedom of Information request.

They show the Metropolitan Police had the biggest number of stolen dog cases reported last year (231), followed by West Yorkshire (208), and Greater Manchester (168).

Hope is not lost for all stolen dogs as some owners are fortunate enough to find their pets abandoned by thieves or have their dog safely returned by the police.