Network Rail are enlisting specially trained sniffer dogs to help track down metal thieves who caused major delays on several rail routes.
Credit: Network Rail
Specially trained sniffer dogs are now being used to track down metal thieves who cause major delays to passengers and freight on several rail routes. Sniffer dogs are being used on rail routes such as the Chiltern main line, North West rail routes, key West Midlands rail routes and the West Coast main line between London Euston and Crewe.
Network Rail has enlisted the canine recruits, provided by Search Dogs UK, to crack down on criminals who steal vital cables and materials from the railway and catch those who illegally sell those items on.
A widespread operation is underway to mark railway property with SelectaDNA, a permanent synthetic solution only visible under special police torches, so metal can be found and identified after it goes missing. The special DNA spray also has a unique scent which the dogs can detect, leading police directly to any stolen supplies illegally on sale at scrap metal dealers.
“Metal theft continues to cause huge problems for passengers and freight customers at a very significant cost to our business, which is of course funded by the taxpayer,” Andrea Graham, Head of Crime and Security for Network Rail’s North West and Central region, said. “We are always looking at new ways to crack down on criminals and now we have man’s best friend on the case too. Our message to thieves who think they can steal from us is clear, we will find you and bring you to justice, because you are not only putting you own life at risk by trespassing on the tracks, but also the lives of our passengers and staff.”
Figures released by Network Rail show that metal theft incidents have caused a total cost to the taxpayer across the whole country between 2017 and 2022 that was nearly £16 million with more than 330 thefts.
Surprise scrap dealer site visits, in conjunction with the telecoms industry, have been taking place in a week of action to remind traders not to handle stolen metal and of their obligations under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. By law, dealers must ensure traded metal is legally sourced and that sellers’ details are recorded and kept as part of any sale. Organised criminal gangs are increasingly targeting metal used in infrastructure and exploiting high metal prices.
“We are working with partners across the entire country and throughout the metals recycling industry to target those who we suspect of flouting the law or operating outside of their licence,” Superintendent Mark Cleland, National Lead for metal crime at British Transport Police, said. “By taking a multi-agency approach, we are maximising our ability to identify those who are attacking our national infrastructure, making it harder for them to sell stolen metal and gain from their activities.”
FAQs
Understanding Sniffer Dogs and Their Role
In England, sniffer dogs are commonly used at airports, train stations, and public events to maintain security and prevent the trafficking of illegal goods.
What happens if a sniffer dog catches you? ›
After an indication by a sniffer dog, a police officer may request that you be searched. This may involve patting you down (whilst clothed), requiring you to remove external clothing such as a coat and shoes, searching through your clothing or belongings and / or using a metal detector.
What are sniffer dogs used for? ›
A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Can sniffer dogs smell co*ke? ›
They are trained to identify illegal odours that emit from certain drugs. Whilst most sniffer dogs are trained to detect hard drugs, like cocaine, heroin and ecstasy, they also have the ability to detect lower-class drugs and pills.
Are there drug sniffing dogs on Amtrak trains? ›
Vapor wake detection dogs are trained to alert on a passing individual. Amtrak currently has the most K-9 units in the railroad industry with vapor wake capabilities. Additionally, The APD currently has two working narcotics detection K-9 teams.
What drugs can dogs not smell? ›
The dog did not signal to an odor of marijuana. The expert replicated the experiment with other types of narcotics such as cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin and the dog did not signal either.
Can sniffer dogs smell inside human body? ›
They can detect traces on their clothes, in their breath, and in their sweat. Balloons filled with drugs, inserted into bodily orifices cannot be detected without a Body Cavity Inspection or a Sona-gram (ultra sonic inspection). Dogs can detect hormonal changes or abnormalities.
Can sniffer dogs smell if you've smoked? ›
The person doesn't have to carry drugs for the scent to be detected. The dog can smell if someone has been in close contact with drug users, for example at a party where Marijuana was smoked.
Do sniffer dogs sense fear? ›
Indeed, it has been shown that dogs experience an increased heart-rate and show signs of stress when they sniff the sweat of fearful humans. So, it seems fairly clear that dogs can smell fear.
Is aluminum foil smell proof? ›
General domestic aluminum foil just has to meet the needs of a cook and therefore isn't made to be flawless. It is often made with natural microscopic cracks and flaws, which allow scent molecules to escape.
In such situations, dogs get trained to use passive alerts to indicate the presence of drugs. A passive alert could be as simple as the dog sitting down next to the location of traces of drugs.
What is the difference between a sniffer dog and a tracking dog? ›
Sniffer Dog : The dog sniffs, but sniffs what? Basically this dog may be a tracking or detection dog. He could also do search and rescue. Sniffer dog is a term that is imprecise since sniffing is what the dog does, but that doesn't say the dog's goal!
How far can a sniffer dog smell? ›
Under perfect conditions, they have been reported to smell objects or people as far as 20km away. You might be interested to know dogs are not the only great smellers.
Can sniffer dogs smell phones? ›
The canine's ability to discriminate between odors means that contraband cannot be concealed with masking odors. If a cell phone is hidden within food or anything to try and disguise the smell, it will not be overlooked and can easily be located.
Can a sniffer dog smell through a smell proof bag? ›
Do smell proof bags work against sniffer dogs? Not all smell proof bags work against sniffer dogs, but the high quality smell proof bags do, like ours here at Nectar.
How do people train sniffer dogs? ›
To train a narcotics detection canine, an association must be developed between the canine's training toy and the odor of controlled substances, usually cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. When the dog smells the odor of the designated narcotics, it believes it has found its toy.
Are there electronic sniffing dogs? ›
ESD K9s are trained to detect the odor of a chemical compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) that is used in the production of electronics. Dogs like Nala are food motivated, so they only get fed when they find a device, even when just practicing at home.
What dog waits at train? ›
It tells the true story of Hachiko, the faithful dog that continued to wait for its master at a train station in Japan long after his death. The cream white Akita Inu, born 100 years ago, has been memorialised in everything from books to movies to the cult science fiction sitcom Futurama.
Are dogs still allowed on trains? ›
Dogs must be kept off train seats, on a lead and away from the personal space of other passengers. Trains can get noisy and busy, so four-legged friends should be trained and well-behaved.
