Police canine Bucky brings in suspect

Geraldton’s crime-fighting canine, Bucky, has collared yet another suspect after attending the scene of an alleged attempted burglary with his handler, Acting Sergeant Ben Cartmill.

The duo were responding to calls early one morning last week from concerned residents in Wandina, who had reported suspicious activity near parked cars and were fearful of houses potentially being broken into.

After Bucky picked up the scent, it was not long before he and Act. Sgt Cartmill had tracked down a suspect and given him a formal police direction.

The juvenile male allegedly refused to comply and attempted to flee, which resulted in Bucky taking him to ground.

Act. Sgt Cartmill said Bucky was always keen to help and was just one of many tools police used to help track down criminals.

“When an offender has recently left a scene, Bucky can ‘see’ a track and that allows us to follow and hopefully find them,” he said.

“They’re pack animals so they really love structure and I’m at the top. We do a lot of training that builds a picture for him of what he can and can’t do.

“Luckily he leaves me alone because I feed him, but if you do see us out on the streets, please don’t approach him.”

Act. Sgt Cartmill thanked the community who promptly reported the suspicious activity.

“If you see something, it may not be much to you, but you should always report it as quickly as possible,” he said.

After receiving medical treatment at Geraldton Hospital, the juvenile was taken to the Geraldton Police Station, where he was remanded in custody and charged with 10 offences, including attempted aggravated burglary, trespass and stealing.