Dogs thieve 53k a year

British dog owners are robbed of $53,000 a year from their canines.

New research by dog food brand Bakers Complete shows that the four-legged fiends steal the value in underwear, jewellery and cash from their families.

However, they also steal from other homes, and 41 per cent of owners admitted to keeping what their pooches bring home.

Animal behaviourist professor Peter Neville said stealing is not in most dogs' natures and many do it because are in need of entertainment.

He said: "More often than not, staging these 'mini-heists' is a way for dogs to encourage family members to play with them and missing objects are quickly found."