Police dogs help handlers arrest six people over housebreaking and thefts

SIX people have been arrested on suspicion of housebreaking and thefts after being rounded up by police dogs and their handlers.

Lothian and Borders Police Specialist Support Unit were called to an incident in Clovenstone Drive, Edinburgh, at 3.25am today, following reports of men trying to steal a car.

When they arrived, a group of men made off from the scene.

Police Dogs Ellie and Zico, who are both German Shepherds, were sent in pursuit and shortly after four men were apprehended in Clovenstone Gardens.

An hour later, police were called to Craigcrook Road in Edinburgh after two men were spotted acting suspiciously.

One man was arrested in a white Transit van, while the other made off into woodland.

Zico was again sent off in pursuit and a short while later made his second arrest of the day.

The men detained during both incidents are currently assisting police with their investigations.

Chief Superintendent Derek Robertson, Operations Division Commander said: “Lothian and Borders Police are committed to promoting preventative policing and regularly engage with our local communities to offer advice and guidance on how to keep properties and valuables safe from criminals.

“However, whenever a crime does occur, we will use all the resources at our disposal to identify and trace those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Our police dogs are trained to an extremely high standard and are regularly used with great success during the various operations and day-to-day policing duties the Force undertakes.

“As these recent incidents have shown, those who flee the scene of a crime can and will still be brought to justice based on the competent work carried out by our dogs, their handlers and the other specialist resources Lothian and Borders Police can utilise during an investigation.”