Specially trained sniffer dogs visited parts of Greenwich giving demonstrations on their impeccable sense of smell in a bid to sniff out fake tobacco.
Yoyo, Scamp and Phoebe, spaniels, spent two days this week in Passey Place, Eltham, and Gordon Square in Woolwich as part of the council’s Keep It Out campaign.
MORE TOP STORIES The four legged friends have been instrumental in sniffing out a haul of illegal tobacco in recent months, including one stash worth nearly £2,500.
Shoppers got to watch the mutts in action as part of the roadshow, which also aims to highlight the dangers of illegal tobacco and how to spot it.
Coun Jackie Smith, member for community safety and environment, said: “It’s time that we stamp out illegal tobacco for good.
“Illegal tobacco supports other criminal activity and has many damaging effects on our local communities, as well as causing poor health.”
Phoebe the sniffer dog found the tobacco! #keepitout campaign in #woolwich today! pic.twitter.com/htAOWRGBP9
— Royal Greenwich (@Royal_Greenwich) October 6, 2015
The company supplying the dogs is BWY Canine, and works with Greenwich along with five other neighbouring boroughs.
Stuart Phillips, detection dog handler for the company, said: “We’ve used the dogs as a big part of engaging with the public and it’s been very successful.”
#KeepItOut campaign in #Royalgreenwich today with #BWYK9 #SnifferDogs and the mobile education unit @Royal_Greenwich pic.twitter.com/DS0QGSdbSc
— B.W.Y CANINE Ltd (@BWYK9) October 5, 2015
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