WEST Midlands Police original Digi Dog is putting up his ‘pawsome’ paws after a fantastic career
Over the years, chocolate Sprocker PD Chip has been responsible for hundreds of finds, including sim cards, trackers, mobile phones and loads more.
Eight year old Chip has been with his handler PC Sarah Hawkins ever since he first qualified as a Digi Dog in 2018.
Chip has been responsible for finding vital evidence and securing convictions for some of the most prolific and dangerous offenders.
During one search, Chip was deployed to an address in connection with an attempted murder, he was sent to search the address and low and behold found a phone hidden in an attic.
The find helped secure an 18-year conviction for the offender.
During another search Chip found a phone hidden in an oven and at another search he found a rape suspects phone hidden under a chest of drawers.
It’s not just mobile phones Chip has found. The super sniffer has also had successful finds for other things such as trackers on cars.
He scoured the car of a woman who believed her ex-partner had placed a tracker on it and Chip found it within seconds.
Over the last couple of months Chip and his handler Sarah have been showing newly qualified PD Q the ropes. The 17-month-old Springer Spaniel has already had her first find, a mobile phone that was hidden inside a chest of drawers.
PC Hawkins, Chip’s handler, said: “I will really miss working with Chip, it’s been an honour to go on this incredible journey with him as the first Digi Dog. He leaves some big paw prints to fill.
“He really is a special dog and has the best scent skills. I’m sure he will put his skills to good use during his retirement to sniff out all his favourite toys and treats.”
