Latest news with #DigitalEvidenceDetectionDogs
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Using digital dogs proves a success for Police Scotland
Scotland's crime-busting 'digi dogs' have helped collar scores of criminals after sniffing out more than 500 concealed devices packed with damning material. Police Scotland's six-strong pack of Digital Evidence Detection Dogs – digi dogs – have been deployed around 200 times, rooting out 512 hidden gadgets containing critical evidence against mobsters, paedophiles and sex traffickers. Police chiefs warn that criminal gangs constantly exploit the latest technology to defeat the ends of justice, with the four-legged sleuths ensuring there are no safe hiding places for digital gadgetry which they use. Since joining the fight against crime last May the canine detectives have used their specially honed skills to sniff out cunningly hidden gadgets including disguised USB devices, tracking devices and covert cameras, as well as smartphones, laptops, USB drives and tiny SIM cards. They proved their worth in September when the online child abuse team targeted an address to execute a National Online Child Abuse Prevention (NOCAP) warrant which had already been subjected to a human search without success. When the digi dog was put to work it identified an iPhone, Kindle, tablet and significantly a trojan USB stick in the shape of a heart pendent. Thanks to the dog's very particular set of search skills a male was arrested at the scene. Canine crime busters have also unearthed items stashed under a freezer, in a locked cash tin, under bed slats and within potential hiding places already searched by officers including in a sofa. Other successes included locating a phone hidden in a loft, which the suspect had initially denied possessing, and other finds including mobile phones, laptops, USB drives and SIM cards. The hero hounds have also uncovered a USB device in the Aberdeen area, found to contain child sexual abuse material, an air tag in the Edinburgh area related to a domestic stalking crime and, in Glasgow, a murder victim's phone was found. The adaptable dogs can work in a range of diverse environments, poking their highly sensitive noses into homes, vehicles and commercial buildings leaving no digital device unturned. According to Police Scotland, almost all crimes have a digital element leaving behind evidence on gadgets such as smartphones, computers and memory cards used to store or transmit illegal content. The digital evidence trail can include incriminating emails, chat logs, photos, videos, browsing history and location data. Despite gadgets getting ever smaller, making them easier to secrete, digi dogs are able to detect odours emitted from all electronic devices, including hard drives and minuscule memory cards. Police Scotland say that by uncovering hidden devices and facilitating the collection of digital evidence digi dogs contribute to more successful prosecutions and convictions. They say the canine constables' unique ability to pick up the scent of devices regardless of their disguise has led to the discovery of crucial evidence that might otherwise have gone undetected. Digi dogs are used during the execution of search warrants and other police operations helping to ensure no digital evidence is overlooked. Assistant chief constable Andrew Freeburn has hailed the introduction of the dogs, saying: 'Digital devices are becoming smaller in size and those involved in criminal activity are becoming more adept at hiding them. 'Searches by humans can be limited and the dogs will provide an additional capability which makes finding hidden devices easier.' ACC Freeburn added: 'Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe and this addition to our search capabilities ensures there is no hiding place for criminals even in the digital world.' Digi dogs are teamed with specialist handlers and are deployed all over Scotland. Digi dog at work Like this: Like Related
Glasgow Times
30-04-2025
- Glasgow Times
Vile abuser slammed after brutally murdering mum in Glasgow
Brute Mark Keel killed Maxine Clark at her home in Riddrie. The 33-year-old left the mum with more than 50 injuries. The 36-year-old woman had already suffered at the thug's violent hands prior to her death, including a neighbour seeing her with a black eye. At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, April 30, Keel pleaded guilty to murder. Maxine Clark (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Man killed Maxine Clark in Glasgow left her with over 50 injuries On Thursday, June 27, 2024, emergency crews attended the home address of Maxine. However, despite the best efforts of medics, Maxine sadly died. Subsequent enquiries then resulted in Mark being arrested and charged in connection with her death. The despicable abuser will be sentenced on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Following his plea, Detective Sergeant Ian Evans slammed Keel as being a 'violent individual'. Police at the scene (Image: Newsquest) He said: "Keel is a violent individual, and women are safer now that he has been convicted for his crimes. "Maxine's family miss her every day, they still feel her loss profoundly. I hope they find some solace in knowing Keel is no longer able to inflict his brutal and violent behaviour on any other women. 'Extensive enquiries were carried out with specialist support from the Digital Evidence Detection Dogs. "The dogs carried out a search of Maxine's home address to locate her mobile phone, which played a key part in our investigation. 'I would like to assure anyone suffering at the hands of an abuser not to suffer in silence. 'We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, please report it. "You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies." READ MORE: Man charged with murder following death of woman in Glasgow READ MORE: Tributes to mum after man charged in connection with death We reported how the convicted domestic abuser faces life behind bars for the brutal murder. It was revealed that Keel already had abuse convictions in connection with former partners. At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, Lord Mulholland said he had been responsible for a "savage beating" of Maxine. (Image: Newsquest) Prior to getting into a relationship with Maxine, Keel had previously been made the subject of strict non-harassment orders banning him from approaching or contacting three former partners. This also included him being jailed in June 2022 for domestic violence. In 2023, he was also told to attend the Caledonian System - a project for men guilty of such abuse - with Keel being deemed "a high-risk offender". But his attendance was described as "sporadic". He also went on to flout a court-imposed community payback order. In January 2024, Keel was instead put on 12-month supervision as well as an 18-week curfew. At the time of the killing, Keel and mum-of-four Maxine had been in a relationship for 18 months. He had recently moved into her home in Riddrie. READ MORE: Woman who died after being found injured in Glasgow pictured Maxine had once been described as "healthy, happy and outgoing". However, she had told others of physical violence being inflicted on her by Keel. Maxine had been seen with black eyes as well as an injury to her jaw. She also had "grab marks" around her neck. Maxine admitted to a neighbour that Keel had punched her. However, she was scared to report the thug in fear of repercussions. Prosecutor David Dickson said: "Family and friends warned her they felt Keel posed a threat to her." In the hours before the murder, Keel called his own mum asking to get picked up, claiming he was "leaving" Maxine. They went to his father's home in the Southside of Glasgow before he later got a taxi back to Maxine's house. He was described as "drunk". Maxine was in bed when he got there. Mr Dickson said it was at the property that the fatal attack then occurred. A child also staying at the house got up the next morning to find Maxine still in the bed with Keel wrapped in a blanket sitting beside her. Mr Dickson said: "She appeared to have fresh injuries to her face and her breathing was described as laboured." Maxine was rolled onto her side. The child left to play with friends, but returned every hour to see how she was. Advocate depute Mr Dickson told the court: "Keel said he thought she was having an allergic reaction and that there was no need to call an ambulance." At around 6pm, G4S security staff arrived to fit an electronic tag on Keel due to the curfew imposed on him weeks earlier. But he steered them away, claiming he had just woken up. Keel instead went on to dial 999, claiming Maxine's tongue was swollen and that he had not seen her awake that day. Mercy crews arrived to find her still lying on the blood-stained bed, partially covered with a duvet. It was found she was sadly already dead. Mr Dickson said Maxine had 51 separate injuries, including brain damage, significant bruising, fractures and wounds. These were likely caused by punches, kicks and being stamped upon. The imprint of the soles of Keel's shoes were found on her leg such was the force. The hearing was told that Maxine was the only child of her grieving parents, Joseph and Mary Clark. Keel remains in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports. Lord Mulholland told him: "You gave this lady a savage beating. You are a serial domestic abuser."
