Sussex Police have denied multiple suggestions in social media, claiming that there's a pandemic-related wave of dog thefts.
But officers are continuing to welcome reports with concerns.
During the pandemic, and particularly in the present lockdown, many residents across Sussex have communicated worries about 'suspicious behaviour'.
These include individual reports from Forest Row of walkers offering dog treats, and from others who claim to have observed van passengers in Brighton carrying leads.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner and commissioner Katy Bourne both said they'll address concerns this week, but no lockdown-related dog thefts have been reported in at least one Sussex District, according to an officer working in the area.
Regarding reports from Mid-Sussex, Inspector Darren Taylor tweeted on January 27:
"I have spent some of the morning personally ringing and chatting to understandably concerned dog owners who have contacted us about certain urban myth posts doing the rounds on social media sites.
"FACT..we have had no recorded thefts of any dogs in Mid Sussex during lockdown."
His note was followed by an amplification from the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.
PCC Katy Bourne said:
"Pets become part of our family.
"The impact of these crimes is devastating leaving an unbearable sense of loss.
"While reports to Sussex Police don’t appear to reflect an upward trend, one look on social media shows dog theft is big concern for people.
"Reports will be taken seriously."
Adding to the comments, Sussex's Chief Constable Jo Shiner said:
"When it does happen it is exactly that... a heinous crime.
"However as you will see as we release more this week, the perception is far worse than the reality or probability of it actually happening in Sussex.
"There are also ways to reduce the likelihood."
Between the second lockdown but before the third, Chief Inspector Steve Biglands stated, on behalf of Sussex Police:
"We are very aware of the recent spate of reported dog thefts in Sussex, and we understand the upset and distress this causes to the dog owners.
"Our officers, including those in our recently-launched Rural Crime Team, have been responding to the reports we have already received and will continue to do so going forward.
"If someone suspects their dog has been stolen, or if they have any information about people or vehicles suspected of being involved in dog thefts, we urge them to report it to us as we will investigate."
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