DRUG USERS in Perth have been warned they risk being caught up in a high-profile training exercise that was launched yesterday.

From this week, St John’s Shopping Centre will be used as a training venue for police “sniffer” dogs.

PC Ron Anderson, Tayside’s dog training instructor, said, “Police dogs play an ever-increasing role in policing within the community so training in public areas is essential to hone the dog’s skills and equip both them and their handlers to deal with incidents in all types of environments.

“We already train in a number of other commercial properties throughout Tayside such as the Odeon Cinema, Kangaroo self storage and Tesco’s distribution warehouse.

“I am delighted that management at St John’s Shopping Centre have offered us the premises to train in.

“Signs advising members of the public will be placed throughout the centre while the training is taking place.

“Of course, should our dog handlers come across anyone committing a criminal offence, they will deal with it as they would any other crime.”

Centre manager Siobhan McConnell said, “This is a proactive initiative that will reassure retailers and law-abiding visitors to St John’s Shopping Centre that we are committed to ensuring this is a safe and pleasant place to shop.

“We will not tolerate the use or the possession of illegal narcotics on our premises and are pleased to work in partnership with Tayside Police in respect of this.

“The police dog handlers will work along with our own security team.

“The St John’s Shopping Centre is already covered by closely monitored CCTV cameras and retailers are linked via Shopsafe Radio, enabling all to communicate quickly and effectively.

“We welcome the training of the dogs in our retail environment.”