A massive 2.5 million Brits make out that they buy dog food and have a pooch protecting their homes in order to ward off burglars.
That is according to new research by esure, which revealed that Brits leave a bowl out on display to trick prospective thieves.
Findings showed that one in ten people in the West Midlands put out a 'beware of the dog' sign.
Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure, said: "Many hard working Brits will be embarking on well deserved holidays at this time of year so the last thing they should have to deal with is an intruder in their home.
"By taking a few precautions … householders can avoid a potentially distressing experience and focus instead on enjoying their summer holiday."
Other tricks Brits use to fool would-be burglars include placing lights on a timer and asking neighbours to remove post from view while they are away.
