A group forced entry to farmland in Rye Lane, Dunton Green, and stole a lurcher from its kennel, Kent Police say. Who to call with CCTV or dashcam footage.

A group of people broke into farmland in Rye Lane, Dunton Green, and stole a dog from its kennel, Kent Police say. The force has published an appeal for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage. (Kent Police, Appeal following dog theft near Sevenoaks)

The theft was reported to have happened between 10.15pm and 11.30pm on Monday 31 August. Kent Police say a group forced entry to the farmland, broke into a kennel and stole a beige lurcher. The suspects are alleged to have left the scene in a silver car. (Kent Police, Appeal following dog theft near Sevenoaks)

Police say it may not be an isolated incident

An investigation is under way. In its appeal, the force says it is “not ruling out the possibility that this theft may be linked to other similar incidents in the Sevenoaks area”. (Kent Police, Appeal following dog theft near Sevenoaks)

Rye Lane is the rural lane linking Dunton Green and Otford, passing under the M26 north of the town. The police statement describes the site only as farmland, and does not name the farm.

What police are asking for

The appeal asks for three specific things:

  • Witnesses who saw anything in Rye Lane between 10.15pm and 11.30pm on Monday 31 August
  • Local residents with private CCTV covering the lane or nearby roads to check their footage
  • Drivers who were in the area at the time to check dashcam recordings, particularly for a silver car

Anyone with information should call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100 and quote the reference 46/146107/26. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or through the Crimestoppers online form. (Kent Police, Appeal following dog theft near Sevenoaks)

What it means for you

If you keep dogs outside in the rural parts of the district, the practical reading of this appeal is straightforward: a group was prepared to force entry to private farmland at night and take a dog from a locked kennel, and the police’s own wording leaves open that it was not a one-off. Check that kennels, gates and outbuildings are locked, and consider whether a camera covers them.

If you live on or near Rye Lane, the specific request is footage from the late evening of Monday 31 August. Doorbell and driveway cameras that face the lane are exactly what the appeal is asking residents to check.

Monthly police figures for the town and district, including where thefts are recorded, are on our Sevenoaks crime data page.

Sources

Image: Motorway Bridge over Rye Lane, near Dunton Green, by Chris Whippet, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Geograph.