Police Dog Traces Three Cleobury Mortimer Theft Suspects

Three men were arrested on suspicion of theft from a south Shropshire home after a police dog tracked and located them.

Police were called after the men were seen stealing two BMX bikes from outside a house in Vaughan Road, Cleobury Mortimer at around 1.30am on Wednesday.

The householder spotted and challenged them and the three ran off into nearby woods.

Officers attended within about 15 minutes of the report and carried out a search of the area, including PC Joe Anderson and his dog Errol.

A police spokesperson said today: "Some 40 minutes after the incident, a track was identified around a nearby factory unit by the dog handler leading some 200 metres into a small stand of trees up an overgrown embankment.

"Three men were located and detained by PC Anderson.  He escorted them back to local police officers who arrested them on suspicion of stealing the bikes."

The spokesperson added: "The arrests were made following a quick response by officers, who then showed good teamwork with the assistance of police dog Errol and his handler."

The men - two aged in their twenties and one in his thirties - who come from the Dudley area, were taken into custody at Shrewsbury police station for interview.  They have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Issued: Friday 27 August 2010