New digi-dog Del Boy lives up to his name

Our new digital detection pup in training is turning out to be a lovable rogue - just like his TV character namesake, Del Boy.

People and businesses are spending more time online and criminals will use any means at their disposal.

Digital devices are becoming smaller and those involved in criminal activity are getting better at hiding them.

Digital Evidence Detection Dogs (DEDDs) provide an additional capability that makes finding hidden devices easier.

Derrick, the 11-week-old Sprocker Spaniel, joined us in September and is already getting his teeth into his new role.

So far he has chewed the sleeve of an instructor’s jacket and a door stop. He also loves to tip the office bins over to explore their contents.

Sergeant Dan Till, from our dog support unit, explains: “He goes by several names – Del, Del Boy and Derrick. He’s very mischievous and is very sociable and loves a fuss from anyone who will give him one too.

“He will be trained to be a Digital Evidence Detection Dog, supporting our colleagues in our Digital Forensics department. He will be able to search for and detect electronic equipment, such as Sim cards, hard drives, memory sticks, flash drives, mobile phones, car keys, trackers, batteries and many other items.

“He was given to us by a breeder in Newcastle-under-Lyme called Coed-Y-Celyn Working Spaniels, who kindly donate one pup per litter to a police force.

“Many others have gone on to become successfully licenced police search dogs and I’m sure Del will too – once he gets his head out of the bin.”