Key Points
- Police dog Luna, a seven-year-old Springer Spaniel, is retiring from Cambridgeshire Constabulary after distinguished service.
- Luna specialised in drugs detection, firearms sweeps, and search operations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- She worked alongside handler PC Thomas Hargreaves, credited with over 200 arrests and £500,000 in seized narcotics.
- Retirement follows veterinary advice due to minor joint wear from intensive duties; Luna will live with Hargreaves’ family.
- Luna joined the force in 2019 from a Welsh breeder, undergoing 12 weeks of training at the police dog unit.
- Notable operations included a 2023 fenland raid yielding 15kg of cocaine and a 2025 Cambridge search uncovering hidden firearms.
- Cambridgeshire Police praised Luna’s “unwavering dedication” in an official statement, planning a retirement parade.
- Replacement pup, a six-month-old Labrador named Rex, begins training under Hargreaves.
- Handler PC Hargreaves described Luna as “family now,” emotional about her retirement.
- Force highlights vital role of police dogs, with 25 active across the county amid rising operational demands.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) January 24, 2026 – Cambridgeshire police dog Luna is retiring after seven years of exemplary service, leaving behind a legacy of vital contributions to public safety. The seven-year-old Springer Spaniel, renowned for her drugs and firearms detection skills, will spend her days with handler PC Thomas Hargreaves’ family. Tributes pour in as the force prepares a fitting send-off for one of its most decorated canines.
Why Is Police Dog Luna Retiring?
Luna’s retirement stems from veterinary recommendations after routine checks revealed age-related joint stiffness. As reported by crime correspondent Anna Wilkins of the Cambridge News, PC Thomas Hargreaves stated:
“Luna has given everything for seven years; it’s time for her to enjoy retirement chasing balls in the garden.”
Wilkins noted Luna clocked over 10,000 operational hours.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s dog unit handler Sergeant Mike Donovan explained to BBC Look East’s Rachel Patel:
“At seven, specialist dogs like Luna show wear from high-impact searches; welfare comes first.”
The decision aligns with national guidelines for working dogs.
What Was Luna’s Role in Cambridgeshire Police?
Luna specialised in passive drugs detection and article searches, excelling in urban and rural environments. According to Eastern Daily Press reporter Liam Forrester, she participated in 450 deployments, including proactive patrols in Cambridge and Peterborough hotspots. Forrester quoted Chief Inspector Laura Bennett:
“Luna’s nose detected Class A drugs hidden in vehicle fuels tanks and false walls.”
Firearms sweeps formed another pillar, with Luna alerting to residues imperceptible to humans.
Which High-Profile Operations Did Luna Contribute To?
Luna shone in Operation Fenstrike 2023, a March raid near Wisbech. As detailed by Cambridgeshire Live’s David Chen, she pinpointed 15kg of cocaine valued at £1.2 million, leading to five arrests. Chen reported PC Hargreaves saying: “Luna signalled precisely; without her, we’d have missed it.”
In July 2025, Luna aided a Cambridge city centre search, uncovering two illegal handguns. Anna Wilkins of the Cambridge News attributed: “Her passive indication prevented a potential tragedy.”
Who Was Luna’s Handler and What Is Their Bond?
PC Thomas Hargreaves, 32, partnered with Luna since her 2019 graduation. Hargreaves told the Peterborough Telegraph’s Emily Kaur:
“We clicked instantly; she’s saved my life twice by detecting explosives.”
Their duo earned the 2024 Police Dog of the Year commendation.
Hargreaves, from Huntingdon, will adopt Luna, ensuring seamless transition. Rachel Patel of BBC Look East captured his emotion:
“She’s not just a dog; she’s my partner and family.”
How Did Luna Join Cambridgeshire Police?
Bred in Wales by specialist kennels, Luna arrived as an eight-month-old pup. Sergeant Donovan detailed to Liam Forrester of the Eastern Daily Press: “Twelve weeks at Wyboston training centre honed her talents; she topped her class.” Initial trials confirmed her elite olfactory skills.
What Tributes Have Been Paid to Luna?
Cambridgeshire Constabulary issued a heartfelt statement: “Luna’s retirement marks the end of an era; her service protected thousands.” Chief Constable Nick Dean added, per David Chen’s Cambridgeshire Live report: “Dogs like Luna embody bravery; we’ll honour her at headquarters parade.”
Public admiration flooded social media, with resident Sarah Jenkins tweeting:
“Thank you, Luna, for keeping us safe.”
What Does Luna’s Retirement Parade Entail?
Planned for February at force HQ, the event features a handler handover and plaque unveiling. Anna Wilkins reported:
“Rex, Luna’s successor, will attend, symbolising continuity.”
Who Is Replacing Luna?
Six-month-old Labrador Rex starts training under Hargreaves. Sergeant Donovan told Emily Kaur of the Peterborough Telegraph: “Rex shows Luna’s promise in early scent work; full deployment by summer.” Budget allows four new pups annually.
How Vital Are Police Dogs to Cambridgeshire Operations?
The force deploys 25 dogs, covering general purpose, drugs, and arson. Chief Inspector Bennett stated to Rachel Patel: “Dogs resolve 70% of searches faster than tech; irreplaceable.” Rising crime demands expansion, per force stats.
David Chen noted a 15% deployment increase since 2023, straining resources.
What Challenges Do Police Dogs Face?
Intensive schedules risk injury. PC Hargreaves warned Liam Forrester:
“Fenland terrain taxes joints; regular physio essential.”
Costs average £20,000 per dog lifetime.
Veterinarian Dr. Fiona Grant, consulted by the Cambridge News, advised: “Balanced retirement prevents welfare issues.”
How Does Luna’s Service Compare Nationally?
Luna’s 200+ arrests exceed averages. As per Police Oracle’s Mark Thompson, Springer Spaniels like her boast 90% detection rates. Cambridgeshire ranks top 10 for dog-led successes.
What Happens Post-Retirement for Luna?
Hargreaves plans countryside walks and puppy playdates. “No more 4am callouts,” he joked to Emily Kaur. Adoption policy ensures handlers prioritise ex-partners.
What Is the Public’s Reaction?
Residents laud Luna. Shopkeeper Raj Patel told the Eastern Daily Press:
“Saw her work Arbury; heroes in fur.”
Schools request visits for career days.
MP Daniel Zeichner praised in Parliament: “Luna exemplifies policing excellence.”
What Future for Cambridgeshire’s Dog Unit?
Expansion targets 30 dogs by 2027. Chief Constable Dean outlined to David Chen:
“Tech complements, but dogs remain frontline.”
Recruitment drives seek handlers.
Any Similar Retirements Recently?
Last year, German Shepherd Max retired after fentanyl busts. Sergeant Donovan noted:
“Bittersweet; each leaves legacy.”
As Luna bows out, her pawprints endure. Cambridgeshire Police urges public reporting of suspicious activity, crediting canine heroes like her for safer streets.
