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An Essex Police dog named Lando played a vital role in tracking and apprehending five suspects across two separate incidents on the evening of Saturday 21 June.
The highly trained canine helped officers bring suspects to justice in operations spanning Colchester, Crays Hill, and Harlow, with assistance from a police helicopter and multiple patrol teams.
Moped Linked to Colchester Burglary – One Arrest
The first incident began shortly before 7:00pm, when officers attempted to stop a moped believed to be linked to a burglary earlier that evening in Colchester.
The moped, suspected to be operating with cloned number plates, failed to stop, prompting a police pursuit. The rider later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
PD Lando was deployed and swiftly located the suspect hiding inside a barn. A 40-year-old man from Surrey was arrested on suspicion of:
- Burglary
- Conspiracy to commit burglary
He has been released on bail while investigations continue.
Vehicle Rams Police Car in Crays Hill – Four Arrested
Later that night, PD Lando was dispatched to Crays Hill after a car failed to stop for police and crashed into a police vehicle. The occupants fled the scene on foot.
PD Lando again demonstrated his tracking skills, leading handler PC Sam Williams to a toilet cubicle in a closed garden centre, where two suspects were hiding.
In total, four men were arrested on suspicion of:
- Stealing a vehicle
- Failing to stop
- Dangerous driving
An 18-year-old man faces an additional charge of going equipped to steal a vehicle.
Those arrested include:
- A 56-year-old man from London
- A 54-year-old man from London
- A 22-year-old man from Harlow
- An 18-year-old man, location not confirmed
All four have also been released on bail as enquiries continue.
Police Praise PD Lando’s Performance
An Essex Police spokesperson said:
“PD Lando had a busy night, helping officers locate and arrest five suspects involved in serious offences. From tracking a burglary suspect to flushing out hiding offenders in a garden centre toilet, he proved invaluable.”
PD Lando continues to serve as a critical asset to Essex Police’s dog unit, regularly deployed in vehicle crime, burglary, and public safety operations.
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