New digi dogs deployed across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Our new digital detection dogs have now successfully completed their eight week training course and are now fully licensed to help in the fight against digital crime across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Thames Valley.

Alongside their dedicated handlers, they’re ready to tackle the growing challenges posed by criminals.

The dogs underwent an intensive training program designed to sharpen their ability to detect a range of digital and media devices used by offenders. Their remarkable sense of smell has been fine-tuned to identify mobile phones, laptops, USB drives, SIM cards, crypto wallets, hard drives, spy cameras, and even tracking devices. This specialised skillset is critical, as criminals often use these devices to store or transmit illegal content, making the detection of such devices essential.

Our four-legged colleagues have already been deployed across the two force areas to support a range of high-priority investigations, including those carried out by Child Abuse Investigation Units, Priority Crime Teams, and Commercial Vehicle Units.

Police Dog Instructor Tim Lawrence expressed his pride, saying,“We are incredibly proud of our dogs and their handlers. They are already making a significant impact in investigations across the forces and playing a crucial role in helping us solve complex cases and protect our communities.”