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.

The most recent similar case on the record in the district came three weeks earlier, on the other side of Sevenoaks. Between 8.30pm and midnight on Tuesday 11 August, entry was forced into an agricultural barn in Penn Lane, Ide Hill, and two spaniels were taken. Both are now home: Nellie was found on 14 August and Betty, the second, on 16 September, but no one has been charged and that investigation also remains open under reference 46/132411/26. The pattern is the same, a building on rural land forced open at night and dogs taken from inside, though Kent Police have not said the two cases are connected. (Kent Police, Dog reported stolen from Sevenoaks is reunited with owner) Our report on the Ide Hill reunion has the full timeline.

Dog theft is now its own offence

Since 24 August 2024, taking a dog from the lawful control of its keeper has been a specific crime in England, dog abduction, under the Pet Abduction Act 2024. Before that, a stolen dog was dealt with under the Theft Act in the same way as any other stolen property. The new offence carries up to five years in prison, a fine, or both on conviction in the Crown Court. (Pet Abduction Act 2024, section 1)

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.

When Kent Police announced the Ide Hill reunion, the force’s advice to owners was to have dogs microchipped, use CCTV and outdoor lighting, not leave dogs unattended outside, and report thefts and any suspicious activity around kennels or fields straight away. (Kent Police, 16 September 2026)

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.