Criminals in Abergavenny have turned their backs on a life of deviance following the recruitment of three crime-busting canines.

After five weeks of training, new recruits Cody, Wish, and Mel are almost ready to hit the streets of Monmouthshire.

The Dog Support Unit (DSU) at Gwent Police works to offer unique support to police on the ground, using trained dogs to assist in high pressure emergency situations.

The intensive training puts the police canines through their paces; training them to detect drugs, cash, dangerous firearms and explosives. The dogs will also be trusted to find missing persons.

“These dogs have been a pleasure to train. We’ve had no problems. Down here, we work as a team to make sure these dogs are trained to a high standard.

“Cody, Wish and Mel have been fast learners. I’m excited for their future with us at Gwent Police,” said Instructor Paul Booth.

A police spokeswoman said the trio would be fully-licensed and operational within weeks.