Basildon police dog Max helps catch Essex car thief

A stolen car piqued police officers’ attention on Wednesday morning before the driver fled the scene and then dumped the car in Meadow Lane, Wickford. 

However police dog Max - a highly trained German Shepherd - was quickly on the case and after picking up a scent from the car he was able to lead officers to a woman, as well as the car keys which had been dumped nearby. 

Max's help was invaluable in catching the thief (Image: Essex Police)

A 50-year-old woman from Wickford was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and has been released on bail. 

Wickford Park councillor, George Jeffrey, praised police - and Max - for taking action. 

He said: “Obviously it’s very positive to see the bond between man and his best friend being put to good use and I support the police in using whatever tools are available to them.

“It’s also always great to see the invaluable work done by Essex Police.

“I support the police in continuing to tackle crime that affects our residents and communities.”

The incident took place on Wickford's Meadow Lane (Image: Google Maps) Essex Police were quick to praise the involvement from Max, who put his training to the test to help secure the arrest. 

A spokesman for Basildon’s local policing team said: “A woman has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a car thanks to help from police dog Max. 

“Officers were on Meadow Lane in Wickford during the early hours of Wednesday, October 23 when they asked the driver of a car to stop. 

“The car was reported to drive away from police, and it is believed the people inside got out of the car and ran off. 

“Having examined the abandoned car, officers suspected it was stolen. 

“Police dog Max and his handler, PC Adam Hanbury, arrived to assist. Max led PC Hanbury to a woman near to the car and found keys that had been discarded nearby. 

“A 50-year-old woman from Wickford was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. She has been released on bail while enquiries continue.”