It's so frightening!! I worry about this all the time. I don't have a front yard. I have a patio and I'm on the second floor, so no one can open a gate and steal them. But I do worry when I take them for walks which is why I carry 2 knives on me whenever I take them out (1 in my bra and 1 in my pocket). I pity the fool who tries to steal one of MY precious babies!