Suspected thieves in Rotherham found hiding in bin - thanks to police dog who was once a stray on the streets
Two men aged 33 and 30 have been arrested on suspicion of theft
A dog who was once a stray on the streets helped cops find two suspected thievses - who were hiding in a bin.
Police dog Buzz, who was found abandoned as a stray in Bradford five years ago, helped capture two suspects following the theft of a van in Rotherham earlier this week.
PD Buzz and his handler were on patrol on Monday, June 1 when they heard a call come in over the radio that a van had been stolen from the Wellgate area of Rotherham.
South Yorkshire Police explained that the driver of the stolen van had failed to stop for officers and following a short pursuit was abandoned near to Mushroom Roundabout.
Two men fled towards nearby estates - and that was when PD Buzz sprang into action as his owner directed him to the last known sighting of the two suspects in an effort to pick up their scent.
With a highly trained nose, and an experienced handler it wasn’t long before the duo were ‘tracking’ - a term used when a dog follows a scen - along Doncaster Road, and towards football pitches.
PD Buzz indicated to his handler something was untoward with the bins.
As the handler lifted the lids, he saw men, aged 33 and 30, hiding inside.
The two men were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and have since been charged to appear before court on July 1, 2026.
South Yorkshire Police said: “Our police dogs’ training is rigorous and their handlers match that commitment, together they operate as a single skilled team and we’re always thankful for their efforts on the frontline.
PD Buzz, who became an award-winning, crime-fighting canine in 2023, was picked up two years earlier in Bradford and taken to a rescue centre in Barnsley, where he showed his potential, South Yorkshire Police said.
The dog was microchipped when he was first found but his registered owner avoided all contact and did not want to keep him, according to a SYP spokesperson.
In his first 12 months of service he helped officers with 26 arrests, 71 pursuits and 38 missing person searches.
In a post on Instagram, South Yorkshire Police said last year: “He may have had a rough start in life but he continues to receive the best care, respect and love from his handler and we're thankful for his efforts in serving our communities.”