Pets stolen in Hertfordshire only have an 11 per cent chance of being reunited with their owners, figures reveal.

A Freedom of Information request submitted to eight forces across the UK for 2014 reveals that, of the 83 domestic animals reported stolen to Hertfordshire Constabulary, nine were returned to their owners.

Neighbouring forces, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire Police also featured in the breakdown of results.

Of the 30 pets stolen in Hertfordshire, four were reunited with their owners and of the 46 taken in Bedfordshire, four were returned home.

The FOI was submitted by VioVet to coincide with its Pet Theft Awareness Week, which runs from Saturday, March 14, to Saturday, March 21.

In total, of the 883 pets reported stolen, only 77 were recovered, with one animal being found dead.

Figures reveal that dogs were the most likely pets to be stolen, with 271 of the 883 being canines. Fish were the next target, with 253 being taken, followed by 221 birds who went missing.

Philip Roberts, commercial director at VioVet, said domestic animals remain a consistent target for thieves.

He added: "Across the board, the very low recovery rates show just how difficult and challenging pet theft is to the police.

"Despite most if not all pet owners seeing their animals as part of the family, they are understandably not high on the police priority list when it comes to allocating scarce resources."