A POLICE dog has proved a huge success after she tracked down several suspected criminals in just one week.

PD Isla, a four-year-old German Shepherd, was deployed during three separate incidents and each time managed to locate suspects who had run from police.

On November 4, officers pursued a vehicle of interest to Clun Road in Bognor. One of the occupants ran into an industrial estate where he tripped and fell and was found by PD Isla.

When he reached into his waistband, the dog recognised he could have a weapon and bit him to detain the suspect until officers arrived. He and two other suspects were arrested and a search of the scene found suspected drugs.

On Monday, November 9, officers pursued a stolen motorcycle to Joyce Close in Wick, near Littlehampton.The rider had discarded the bike and was seen garden-hopping in the area.

PC Isla tracked the suspect through several gardens and eventually found him hiding at the back of a storage shed. The 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including theft from a vehicle, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

On the evening of Wednesday, November 11, police followed a vehicle of interest to Hoe Lane in Flansham, when the driver ran off into a garden.

PC Isla again tracked the suspect over some distance until she found him hiding in undergrowth south of the A259.

Jake McConnell, 24, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with drink-driving, driving without due care and attention, and failing to stop when required by police. He has been released on unconditional bail until March 2, when he is due to appear before Worthing Magistrates’ Court.

PD Isla’s handler, PC Kris Drake, of the Surrey and Sussex Police Dog Unit, said: “Isla is a very chilled out dog at home, but when tasked to work in her roles as a general purpose dog and a firearms support dog, she’s very switched on.

“She relishes the challenge and is rewarded with her favourite treats. She is an asset to our force.”