Harrogate police dog's star role in catching burglary suspects

A group of suspected burglars has been caught thanks to a huge team effort between quick-thinking Harrogate police officers, a helicopter team, and a plucky police dog.
By Finola Fitzpatrick
Published 16th Jan 2020, 13:34 BST
Updated 16th Jan 2020, 13:34 BST
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The three suspects were charged following three burglaries in Plompton in the early hours of yesterday morning, Wednesday.

Police tracked down a suspicious vehicle on the A1, and after it failed to stop, crashed and went off-road.

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The National Police Air Service (NPAS) was called to assist with the search, and found the vehicle abandoned in a wooded area near Wetherby Service Station.

Police dog Bobby played a star role in the operation.Police dog Bobby played a star role in the operation.
Police dog Bobby played a star role in the operation.

Shortly after, the helicopter team found the three suspects in a nearby field and directed officers on the ground towards them.

One of the men was quickly detained and arrested by an officer and a dog from the force’s Dogs Section just before two others were found hidden up a tree and arrested by other units.

North Yorkshire Police’s Commander for Harrogate and Craven, Detective Superintendent Steve Thomas, said: “This was a huge team effort between North Yorkshire Police’s Response teams, Roads Policing Group, Dogs Section, Firearms Unit, Force Control Room, Investigation Hub and greatly assisted by team at NPAS.

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“It was an excellent result which demonstrated policing at it’s very best – three arrested and suspected stolen property recovered.

A Harrogate response officer tweeted a photo of her muddy uniform following the arrests.A Harrogate response officer tweeted a photo of her muddy uniform following the arrests.
A Harrogate response officer tweeted a photo of her muddy uniform following the arrests.

“A huge thanks to all involved, and an extra mention to police dog Bobby who was celebrating his third birthday when he caught the first suspect running away and trying to climb over a 6ft fence, good lad.”

All three men from Bradford, aged 27, 29 and 47, were charged for the burglaries and aggravated vehicle taking.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving between Plompton and the A1 between 3am and 4am on Wednesday who witnessed a silver Toyota Hilux being followed by police, to get in touch.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dash-cam footage.