Police digi dogs trained to find hidden devices
CRIMINALS who use digital devices to commit offences will soon have nowhere to hide them from the long nose of the law.
Police Scotland is training dogs to sniff out concealed electronics such as phones, sim cards and tablets.
The new digital evidence detection dogs include Zen, a rescue springer spaniel; Xena, a springer spaniel and labrador cross; and springer/cocker spaniel cross Max.
The other canine recruits are: Pip, a Malinois and Australian shepherd cross and a labrador, Willow.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: ‘It is now extremely common for a digital device to be used in criminal activity, which is then concealed by the perpetrator to hide incriminating evidence.
‘Digital devices are becoming smaller in size and those involved in criminal activity are becoming more adept at hiding them.
‘Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe and this addition to our search capabilities will ensure there is no hiding place for criminals, even in the digital world.’
Police Scotland also uses dogs to detect drugs, explosives, cash, firearms, human remains and blood. A digital evidence detection dog from another force has already been used in Scotland – to find sim cards linked to a paedophile.
benjamin Young, from Argyll and bute, was jailed indefinitely last week with an order for lifelong restriction imposed after being convicted of dozens of sexual offences against children.
Mobile phones were seized from the chef’s home and investigators found nearly 20,000 indecent images and videos.