Kent Police Appeal After Two Dogs Stolen From Barn Near Sevenoaks

Kent Police are appealing for witnesses after two dogs were stolen from a barn in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, in an overnight break-in. Officers say entry was forced into an agricultural barn in Penn Lane sometime between 8.30pm and midnight on Tuesday 11 August, with two dogs taken during that window: Nelly, a liver and white springer spaniel, and Betty, a black cocker spaniel.

The location is worth dwelling on for anyone local: Penn Lane sits in genuinely rural country south-west of Sevenoaks, the kind of setting where an agricultural barn might reasonably be assumed a safer place to keep animals overnight than somewhere more exposed. A forced entry there, in a three-and-a-half hour overnight window, points to a degree of planning rather than an opportunistic passer-by — whoever was responsible knew, or scoped out, that there were dogs worth taking on the premises.

That pattern lines up with what's become a familiar, unwelcome trend around Sevenoaks and further afield: working and pedigree breeds like spaniels carry real resale value, and rural outbuildings and barns are an easier target than a house with people in it. It's exactly the profile that's pushed dog theft up the priority list for Kent Police's rural crime work in recent years, alongside appeals of this kind becoming a near-constant feature for owners in outlying villages rather than an isolated shock.

Anyone who was in the area of Penn Lane, Ide Hill, around the time and saw suspicious activity or vehicles, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage covering that overnight window, is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/132411/26. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.

Kent Police confirmed on 14 August that Nelly has since been found safe. Betty, the black cocker spaniel, remains missing, and officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage to help find her. Source: Kent Police

Kent Police confirmed on 16 September that Betty has also now been safely located, meaning both dogs are back with their owner. Investigating officer PC Tom Costin said: "We are pleased that both Nellie and Betty are back home safely. Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal and to the community who located Betty; the family are thrilled to be reunited with her." Superintendent Elena Hall added that pet theft "can be so distressing" for owners, and urged people to reduce the risk by microchipping pets, using CCTV and outdoor lighting, and not leaving dogs unattended outside. Source: Kent Police