DOG THEFT has been growing at an astonishing rate in Hounslow and Feltham, with abduction figures one of the worst in London, the Times can reveal.

Ten incidents are currently being investigated by watchdogs, who say that the canines are abducted due to their emotional value to their owners, who are then targeted for ransom payment, watchdogs for the crime said this week.

Jane Keeling, a dog-groomer at Canine Creations, in Feltham, had her black toy poodle, Tula, stolen out of her car after visiting Brows Lane Leisure Centre eight months ago. The defenceless animal was forcibly pulled from the car with the aid of a screwdriver that the felons used to break into Ms Keeling's vehicle, which had been parked in the leisure centre's car park at the time.

CCTV showed two men jump out of a light green, compact BMW, snatch the dog from the car and make a hasty getaway.

After numerous posters were put up and advertisements were taken out in local magazines, an ad in "Loot Magazine" prompted a call on Sunday March 14, informing Ms. Keeling that if she wanted information on where her dog was she would have to pay a ransom of £800. Police are still investigating the matter.

Many dogs however cannot officially be declared stolen by the police, as circumstances of their disappearance must point beyond a reasonable doubt towards actual theft. Detective Superintendent Ray Semmons of Hounslow Police commented: "If the balance of probabilities points towards a dog being stolen then that is what is decided. However, if someone takes their dog for a walk, throws it a stick and the dog does not come back, then it could have just as easily run off, and should only be reported as missing."

Thousands of people's dogs go missing' every year across the capital. Jayne Hayes, who runs the dog recovery service "Dog Lost", added: "Because of this loophole in the law, many people feel that they can get away with abducting dogs. Without a crime report from the police, these thieves think that they're getting away scott free and that the police won't bother to investigate.

"Priority is given to a lost mobile phone over a lost dog, but which would you rather lose?"

Ms Hayes set up Dog Lost with her partner, Tim Bristow, after their miniature French Bulldog, Hermie was stolen. Fortunately Hermie was rescued from his captors but still bears scars from abuse.

Nine other dog-owners have reported their missing pets in the Hounslow area and some have even received similar ransom demands like that of Ms Keeling, with many giving in and paying the money to their animals' captors.

Dog Lost so far this year has already reunited 168 dogs with their families. If you have a missing dog or information regarding one, phone DC Varnes at Feltham Police or contact Dog Lost on: 01909 733366, or visit www.doglost.co.uk.