SHOPPERS may have been surprised over recent weeks to find sniffer dogs joining them in the malls of the MetroCentre.
The Gateshead centre is supporting Durham Police with its sniffer dog training programme.
The aim is to familiarise the dogs and their handlers with busy environments, while also looking for hidden illegal substances.
The training is offered nationally and recently dogs and their handlers from Bedfordshire have been parading the malls.
Paul Hedges, dog training supervisor for Durham Police, said: "The MetroCentre provides excellent experience for the dogs."
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