Doggy detectives

TWO new four-legged police recruits have hit the streets this week, thanks to officers seizing criminals’ ill-gotten gains.

The canine crime-fighters - 17-month-old Labrador Daz and 18-month-old springer spaniel Jack - have just finished their six-week training programme with the Beds & Herts Police Dog Unit.

The two furry youngsters were selected from rescue centres and have now been trained to find drugs, cash, firearms and ammunition.

The dogs and their police handlers were presented with certificates in recognition of their hard work over the past six weeks.

The training has seen them practising in the sorts of environments they could encounter in their day to day work, such as disused buildings, boats and planes.

Inspector Steve Mann, who leads the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Dog Unit, said: “I was really pleased to welcome Daz and Jack to our team.

“I have no doubt that alongside their handlers they will prove to be fantastic additions to our dog unit.

“Without the funding from the Proceeds of Crime Act it is unlikely we would have been able to take on two new dogs at this time. I am looking forward to seeing our new recruits in action and helping us to bring offenders to justice.”