Missing pet blackmailer jailed for second time

Brandon Woolveridge made threats and demanded money from owners of missing pets

A serial blackmailer who threatened to kill people's missing pets has been jailed for a second time.

Brandon Woolveridge, 24, previously of Melbourne Street, Barrow-in-Furness, demanded £1,000 in September from a dog owner who had lost their pet.

He was jailed last year after being convicted of nine counts of blackmail where he "humiliated" his victims.

Woolveridge admitted blackmail and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to two years and three months.

Woolveridge called the victim on 21 September and demanded she must pay him, Cumbria Police said.

He told the victim: "It's going to cost you £1,000 to get the dog back but how do I know you won't call the police?".

He refused to send images of the dog but provided her with bank details and told her he would ring her back after the initial payment.

Exploiting vulnerable people

Det Sgt James Aiston said Woolveridge targeted "vulnerable pet owners by demanding money for safe return of the pet, knowing fine well he did not have possession of the animal".

"We are thankful for the vigilance and cooperation of the victim in the case who was able to recognise Woolveridge’s voice and make recordings of the calls.

"We understand losing a pet can be really upsetting for people, unfortunately some people like Woolveridge will try and exploit this."

Cumbria Police urged people not send money or rewards to people without confirming the safe possession of their animal.

The force strongly recommended to ask for confirmation such as a video call, photographs and full details of the persons who claim to have found the pet.