DOG thefts in Devon and Cornwall have soared by more than 100 per cent in the last three years, figures have revealed.

Most popular breeds to be snatched were Staffordshire bull terriers, chihuahuas and bulldogs, the statistics showed.

Some 81 dogs were reported stolen last year against just 38 in 2015, a jump of 113 per cent.

Just 22 of the dogs taken in 2017 were recovered, The Insurance Emporium group found.

It said 15 Staffies were stolen between 2015 and 2017 while chihuahuas and bulldogs were next in line with 13 apiece spirited away by thieves.