A burglar was found hiding in a bush after a police dog tracked him for a mile.
Mark Cranston broke into the Co-op on Netherton Lane in Bedlington, Northumberland, on Saturday evening. The 25-year-old smashed his way into the store alongside a second male.
The pair stole alcohol and meat before making off from the scene. Cranston was on foot and the other offender was on a bike.
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Police dog Ace was deployed to the scene with officers. The three-year-old Dutch Herder was accompanied by his handler Sergeant Adam Fegan.
As Cranston headed towards a wood, Ace picked up a scent. He tracked it for one mile through the woods and over a fence into a nearby housing estate where they found Cranston hiding in a bush.
The defendant was detained and officers were able to retrieve all the stolen items that the offenders discarded.
Cranston, of no fixed abode, admitted burglary at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court in Bedlington, on Monday and was jailed for 24 weeks.
Chief Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police, said it was a "fantastic outcome" with Cranston being arrested, charged and jailed all within 48 hours.
He said: "It was a real team effort by all officers involved as well as our partners across the criminal justice system. It’s fantastic to see swift and effective justice being served against a brazen thief who was desperate to get away with his crime.
"Not only were we able to retrieve the stolen items, but this case once again highlighted the outstanding contribution that our Dog Section make in the detection and prevention of crime.
"Police Dog Ace was able to track Cranston’s movements for over a mile, leading his handler and officers away from the scene and to his rather uncomfortable hiding place in a bush. I’m sure Ace earned a few extra treats following his shift.
"We will continue to tackle burglars hard and do everything we can to put them before the courts. I’d like to thank the public and our businesses for their ongoing support and cooperation."
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