Police puppy is super sleuth

Police puppy is super sleuth

Taggart has received no formal police training yet

One of Devon and Cornwall Police's newest recruits is already living up to his name.

Six-month-old Taggart, an Alsatian dog, was out with his puppy walker Dave Archer in Exeter when he found some stolen property in a bush.

Mr Archer said: "We were doing basic training in Heavitree Park, throwing and fetching his toy and all of a sudden he lost interest, his nose was down and he was heading off.

"At first I thought I was going to lose him.

"The next minute he was going in circles, round some property he had discovered."

Keen nose

Taggart had uncovered a jewellery box, ID card, a purse and some clothes, which are being investigated by police.

Mr Archer said: "We always encourage Taggart to hunt for things that we hide as it's all part of socialising him, but this is the first time he has found anything all on his own."

Inspector Tony Jordan, from Devon and Cornwall Police's dog training division, was impressed by Taggart's investigative skills.

He said: "He's one of our youngest puppies and has not received any formal training yet.

"He's obviously got a keen nose for the job and is worthy of any investigator's name."