Canine Crimebusters

The Story of Taz, Zippy and the UK's Amazing Police Dogs

By: Andy Boot

Narrated by: Alan Medcroft

Canine Crimebusters delves into the history and heroism of UK police dogs, exploring their evolution, highlighting amazing canines, and celebrating their bond with handlers.

This book follows the heroic and touching tales of dogs on the frontline of crime prevention.

The first truly recognised police dog section in the UK was out of the Met, based at Imber Court, Esher, and the star dog was PD Rex, handled by PC Arthur Holman. Rex was responsible for 120 arrests, the first drug sniffer dog in the UK, the first to work for the Flying Squad, and won numerous awards before his death from cancer at just seven. He also had a book by Holman about him, and a film made of his career (Police Dog, 1955).

His success led to the establishment of the dog section at Keston which is still in operation. He is the star and the root of the story, but from there listeners will be taken through the awe-inspiring tales of a series of individual dogs, and their police handlers, right up to today.

The audiobook also reveals how they are trained and have been used over the decades, and also highlight the heroic dogs that have foiled terrorists, found killers, and won valour awards in Rex’s pawprints.

Through thrilling and heartwarming stories, listeners will see how these dogs have thwarted terrorists, caught killers, and protected the public, with an appendix guiding listeners to the K9 memorial site and relevant organisations for further engagement.

©2025 Andy Boot (P)2025 W. F. Howes Ltd