Wiltshire Police dogs are set to start wearing body armour after an increase in knife crime.
The specially-crafted canine vests will protect the animals from bullets, knives and impact injuries whilst allowing the dog good freedom of movement and comfortability.
The force’s general purpose and firearms support dogs have been provided with them.
Handler PC Jon Harwood said: “We have seen an increase in offenders carrying blades and sharp objects that we need to take measures to protect our dogs.
“I’d like to reassure people that in the time that I have been in the dog section there have been no reports of our dogs having been stabbed or shot. But our dogs are used to search for people armed with weapons all the time so this will hopefully offer them protection.
“The dogs won’t be wearing them all the time, it will be up to their handler to assess when they might be needed.”
