A POLICE dog who led detectives to a gang responsible for the theft of £1.9 million of jewellery has been awarded an Assistant Chief Constable’s Certificate of Merit.

German Shepherd Cody tracked more than a mile along railway lines to recover evidence and sniff out eight men after jewellery and watches were stolen from Ernest Jones at Lakeside Shopping Centre.

The thieves used sledgehammers and crowbars to force their way into the store in the early hours of April 12, 2014 before making off on foot with a haul of high-value Cartier, Breitling and Tag Heuer watches.

As they fled, the gang set up road blocks made of tyres and set them on fire in an attempt to block our officers and give them time to get away.

Unfortunately for them, Cody was called to the scene and quickly picked up their scent before leading his handler, Pc Mick Finch, down a railway track towards South Ockendon for more than a mile.

On their way, Cody and Pc Finch recovered vital evidence and directed other officers to the residential area where they were found hiding in the gardens.

Eight men, all Romanian nationals and aged between 18 and 26, were arrested and later charged with aggravated burglary. They all pleaded guilty and were each jailed for seven years at Basildon Crown Court in July 2014.

All of the stolen jewellery and watches were recovered.

Cody was awarded his certificate at an awards ceremony for the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on Monday, June 29, 2015.

Dog handler Pc Finch said: "This great result shows another excellent example of the value our dogs bring to the force.

"The training, dedication of all officers and ability of the dogs means that we are able to find property and track those involved in crime much easier and bring those who break the law to justice".