GMP Police dog Bren retires taking down Bolton’s criminals

After six years on the job the police dog retired by bringing down one last suspect – the last in a number of several significant arrests.

On his final shift, Bren demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the thin blue line by protecting his handler, PC Oram, during a critical moment

PC Oram had detained a man who then attempted to evade him and his colleague. Bren was deployed for a final time, re-detaining the man, who had been assaulted both PC Oram and his colleague in the process.

Bren’s journey with GMP began in 2018, when he joined as a puppy. He and PC Oram became operational the following year and have since made multiple arrests together

“I started working with Bren when he was 10 months old, while his siblings went to other handlers,” PC Oram said. “One of his key skills I noticed from being partnered with him was that he loved to jump. He was always bounding in the air – now he is eight, I’m glad he can rest his joints.”

PC Oram and PD Bren – Handler of the Year.

Their teamwork earned PC Oram the GMP Dog Handler of the Year in 2024, with the pair securing 48 arrests over a year period. A feat that saw them feature on BBC Crimewatch to discuss how important police dogs are to the force.

One of the reasons the duo won the award was due to Bren’s impressive tracking skills.

Crediting his German Shepherd’s ability, PC Oram said: “Tracking has been Bren’s go-to skill when locating people. Thanks to him, countless individuals were found in some of the most difficult surroundings and weather conditions.”

PD Bren

An example of Bren’s impressive tracking was in February 2024, when he located a man hiding under a car. He was then swiftly arrested by officers on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and cultivation of cannabis.

Away from tackling crime, Bren’s excellent mannerisms and obedience skills earned the duo a place at the National Dog Trials in Scotland last year, becoming the first representatives of GMP to do so in over a decade.

Now he has earned a well-deserved rest from tackling crime in Greater Manchester, PC Oram is looking forward to rewarding Bren for his tremendous career with a holiday.

“Bren will continue to live with me now he has retired,” PC Oram said. “He will be able to focus on being a family dog and enjoy caravan holidays.

“He is great with people when off-duty, but when called upon, switched instantly to knowing what he had to do.”

In a final tribute to his trusty companion, PC Oram praised Bren’s dedication to him over the years and protecting others from potential danger, even on his final shift. He said: “On his last shift, when I was trying to restrain a suspect who was a lot bigger and more powerful than myself, Bren came to my aid and quickly subdued the suspect – a true partner to the end.”