The stories are heartbreaking. A family leaves their devoted dog in the backyard run for a few hours but finds no trace of her when they get home. A woman ties her precious pup to a meter while running an errand and he’s gone when she returns.

Though statistics are tough to pin down, experts say dog theft is on the rise. You can prevent the unthinkable. Never let your pooch roam freely, and don’t leave your dog outside when you’re away. A fenced-in yard or locked run may be a deterrent, but won’t guarantee your furry friend’s safety. Likewise, don’t leave your dog tied up outside shops or in your car unattended. Alert your neighbors when you’ll be gone so they can watch for unusual activity. And have your dog microchipped as a means of permanent identification.

Dognappers look for easy targets. Don’t make it worth their while.