A police dog has been praised for helping officers apprehend a balaclava-clad burglar who broke into a South East pet store.
PD Kola located the burglary suspect despite the distracting temptation of toys, treats and other treasures in the Pets at Home branch in Burgess Hill, the Mid Sussex Times reported.
Police were alerted to a break-in after an intruder alarm was activated late one Sunday night. On arrival several minutes later, a police officer discovered part of the glass front door was shattered and entered the store – accompanied by his canine counterpart.
According to the press report, as they approached the rear of the store they spotted a man in all black clothing, including gloves and a balaclava. The suspect started to run and, after shouting a warning, the officer deployed PD Kola.
RABBITS
Shortly afterwards, the man emerged from the aisle where the rabbit enclosures are and gave himself up, said police.
Police told the Times that the man appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and made to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.
PC Hewson told the local newspaper: “Like all Sussex Police general purpose dogs, PD Kola is fully qualified to carry out a number of tasks, including tracking and searching for criminals.
“Conditions such as weather, the environment and distractions all come with their challenges, however these highly intelligent dogs are trained to excel in such circumstances.
“Thankfully on this occasion the defendant complied with my commands and gave himself up, avoiding the necessity of a close-up encounter with Kola!”
