ONE of Wiltshire Police’s drugs dogs, Patch, joined the central Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Team on patrol in Old Town and the town centre over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Each evening Patch and his handler, PC Steve Duffy, accompanied officers patrolling the streets and assisted night time economy staff by searching for drugs in pubs and clubs.

Over the course of the three days, Patch indicated that 36 people were either in possession of illegal drugs or had come into contact with them. All 36 were searched and six were found to be in possession of Cannabis while one was found to be in possession of both Cannabis and Cocaine.

Of the other 29, four stated that they had no knowledge as to why the dog identified them, whereas the remaining 25 admitted use of controlled substances including Methadrone and Cocaine.

Two of the seven people found to be in possession of Cannabis were given a street caution, one was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, one male was cautioned for Cocaine, while further enquiries are currently being conducted with regard to the remaining three.

Intelligence reports were completed on the others who admitted use of controlled substances.

Barry Reed, of the central Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I would like to thank Steve and Patch for their hard work over the Bank Holiday and for this excellent result.

"We received very positive feedback from door staff and managers who stated that we not only aided them in their role but also helped to make their customers feel safer.

"Steve and Patch will now regularly join officers patrolling Old Town and the town centre area, so my message is clear to anyone who brings drugs into Swindon, watch out Patch is about.”