Police Dog Ava Celebrates First Arrest With Well-Earned Chicken Nuggets

A young police dog has helped officers catch two suspected motorcycle thieves in Eastbourne, earning herself a well-deserved reward of chicken nuggets.

The incident began on 3 June, when an off-duty police officer spotted two suspicious motorbikes travelling along Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne. One of the bikes had no number plate.

A local police unit attended and a pursuit was launched, but the riders escaped at speed. Despite support from additional officers, the suspects could not initially be found.

The National Police Air Service helicopter was then deployed and tracked the two riders to a woodland area.

That was where Police Dog Ava, a one-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd, was brought in.

Having only qualified as a fully licensed police dog in April, Ava quickly located both suspects hiding in the woods, allowing officers to safely arrest them.

Checks later confirmed that both motorcycles had been stolen.

Two local men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of offences including theft of a vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop when required by police.

Both men have since been bailed while enquiries continue.

But Ava’s work was not finished.

While escorting the suspects from the woodland with her favourite ball-on-a-rope toy, the police dog also discovered two discarded crash helmets, along with a hammer, screwdriver and pliers that had been hidden.

Her handler praised Ava’s efforts, and after being stood down from duty, the successful police dog was taken to a fast food restaurant where she enjoyed her first ever portion of chicken nuggets.

A reward well earned.