Northamptonshire police dogs had a busy month in May, whereby they helped arrest suspects, sniffed out a meat cleaver, found devices linked to child grooming and more.

The county’s police force wants to shine a light on the value of the dog section after a hectic month, which saw notable results aided by the canines.

Police dog success during May 2026

On May 1, officers responded to a report of a fight involving a knife in Northampton town centre. Although the suspects had fled the scene, PD Kola conducted an area search and located a large meat cleaver concealed under a bush, therefore removing a dangerous weapon off our streets.
On May 2, PD Peggy was deployed to reports of a serious assault in Northampton town centre in order to identify the individuals involved and prevent their escape. While one suspect surrendered, a second attempted to flee but was swiftly detained by Peggy and was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
On May 3, there was a commercial burglary at an industrial estate in Moulton Park, Northampton. PD Bryn tracked a suspect to the roof of a building, which caused the suspect to surrender.
On May 5, Specialist search dogs PD Coco and PD Rosie were deployed to an address in Northampton linked to a child grooming investigation, finding concealed electronic devices, including a tablet and laptop.
Throughout the month, several arrests also followed foot pursuits including PD Pedro tracking a suspect who had fled from a vehicle after failing to stop on May 5 and PD Peggy locating and detaining a wanted individual linked to high-risk domestic abuse offences the following day.
On May 7, PD Lucy supported regional policing efforts and was deployed to Nottinghamshire in connection with an attempted murder investigation.
On the same day, PD Pyper prevented a wanted domestic abuse suspect from escaping out the back of a property, leading to his immediate surrender.
PD Thor and PD Ebby were also instrumental in tracking and apprehending suspects who attempted to evade officers after fleeing on foot.
On May 21, PD Phantom helped locate a high-risk missing person who had taken an overdose. The individual was found conscious in a barn and was able to receive urgent medical attention.

Northamptonshire Police’s Dog Section had a busy May!

placeholder image — Northamptonshire Police’s Dog Section had a busy May!

The successes did not stop there as PD Bonnie also located five large vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis hidden in a flat, PD Frankie uncovered a rucksack containing Class A drugs, cannabis, and cash during a warrant and PD Socks assisted officers in locating Class A drugs, including a significant quantity of cocaine concealed within a bathroom.

PD Kola assisted in the arrest of two suspected burglars identified with the aid of drone support, PD Bryn tracked and detained a shop burglary suspect who was also found in possession of Class A drugs, and PD Pyper recovered stolen property discarded by a fleeing suspect.

The Dog Section also played an important role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Dog Handler Sergeant Chris Monday said: "Our police dogs and their handlers continue to demonstrate exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication every day.

“From locating dangerous weapons and vital evidence, to tracking offenders and safeguarding vulnerable people, their work is invaluable in keeping our communities safe.

“Northamptonshire Police remains committed to using specialist resources, including its highly trained police dogs, to protect the public and bring offenders to justice.”