- Do all of the actions above. Use the whistle and do the PAWS code to raise more help
- Image / video the area using a mobile phone (whole area / car parks etc)
- Activate a siren / rape alarm
- Engage other members of the public to help assist
- Call a prearranged whattsapp or text group to gather assistance
- Practice the tactical defence procedure – challenge, lead, spray, alarm
- As A Responder / Witness, What Can You Do?
If you think about it, YOU are more likely to be a WITNESS to a dog theft (or the period just after a dog theft), than to experience one yourself. You can therefore be ready to help others, in the hope that they would help you too.
A Responder / Witness has exactly the same tactical options as the Victim has, in that the training, the equipment and the clothing are all the same, but there area few differences;
- The responder / witness might be in a place that is closer to the thief, or even ahead of the thief’s escape.
- The Responder / Witness might be stronger / more physically able to intervene.
- Not suffering from shock or incapacitation the Responder / Witness might be more clear thinking.
- The Responder / Witness might have the right anti-theft equipment to hand, including a mobile phone.
- The Responder / Witness might also be close to their car and able to engage mobile tactics.
- Raise the sound alarm (eg The DogHorn Alarm) on anything possible (Whistle, shouting, car horn, Rape Alarm)
- Video a thief or their vehicle. GET A VEHICLE DESCRIPTION AND NUMBER
- Slow dow a thief with “Is that your dog?, What is its name etc”
- Conduct any of the tactics below called “Raising the Game”
As A Responder, Raising the Game
Hopefully a Responder / Witness will have the right anti-theft equipment to hand.
- Challenge the thief with Ready Spray, from a safe distance. Shout “LET THE DOG GO!”
- Be prepared to spray the thief or the dog, but have an escape route if the thief (or assistant) becomes aggressive
- It is also possible to spray the thieves vehicle. The windscreen, door handles and rear doors are good zones.
- If the thieves have got away, stop another road user and request them to “Follow that dog thief and blow your horn at it”
- Get in a car and follow the thieves yourself, if possible with someone else who can video / make a call to the police. (see “Covert” and “Active” following below)
Slow dow a thief with “Is that your dogs, What is its name etc”