Going to the dogs???
Leeds Bradford Airport has its own canine copper
By Bruce Smith
Leeds Bradford Airport now has its very own canine copper.
Dobby the 18-month-old sniffer dog has become the force's first detection dog to be issued with his own photographic pass ensuring he can go anywhere at the airport.
The cocker spaniel has already come up with the goods by recently sniffing out a large amount of cash as part of anti-money laundering operations at the airport.
Dobby was donated to the force by a Wakefield family and is trained to find illegal drugs, firearms and money.
Detection dogs can sniff out large amounts of money on a person and indicate this by sitting down in front of them.
Dobby's handler, Sgt Jeremy Burton said: "Dobby is an asset to the force and to get this badge is a reflection of the important role he plays not just at the airport but in operations across the county."
As well as detection dogs used in searches to locate illegal substances the force also has dogs for detaining suspects and crowd control such as football matches.
Among Dobby's duties are searching aircraft, in the cargo hold and the conveyer belt system. Each plane can involve sniffing over 300 passenger suitcases.
If Dobby senses a suspicious item police officers track the suitcase, identify the owner and intercept them in the terminal.
Insp Simon Hepworth of the airport policing team said: "Dobby is a valued member of the team. He is assisting the police and other border agencies in detecting and deterring criminals who pass through," he added.
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post