The area's police dog unit is to be reduced in size from six sergeants and 53 constables to just 44 officers it was announced this week.

Back in December the joint management teams of Thames Valley and Hampshire police dog team agreed there would have to be cuts.

Reducing it to 44 officers across two forces will make it comparable in size to similar forces' teams.

The newly reduced team will consist of 40 handler constables and four handler sergeants: two sergeants and 18 constables from Hampshire and two sergeants and 22 PCs from Thames Valley.

Dave Hardcastle, Assistant Chief Constable Operations for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary said: “We have been actively reviewing our resources within the joint operations unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary and believe that we have the opportunity to operate more effectively and efficiently without impacting on the service that we provide to keep our communities safe.

“The Unit’s resources will be deployed to match resources with demand and we will consult the Police Federation regarding the change in shift patterns.

“No deadline has been set for reaching the reduced numbers in the Dog Unit and reductions will be achieved through natural attrition.”

“Our Dog Unit is, and will continue to be, a valued resource that is key to the operational tactics that we have available to deploy. The Unit played an active part in the security preparations around Windsor ahead of the Royal Wedding last weekend and during the operation."