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Dog Walkers Becoming Modesto Police Department's Latest Crime-Fighting Tool

MODESTO (CBS13) — Modesto Police are calling on people walking their dogs to help fight crime in a new program.

Gabrielle Angulo and her 2-year-old German Shepherd Ayla may be the department's new secret weapon. She and Ayla walk the neighborhood a lot.

"I try to be really aware of my surroundings, especially for what area I'm in," she said.

The department wants more alert dog owners like Angulo to help in their new take on neighborhood watch.

"It's good to know where you are at all times, but also, maybe looking for a vehicle that's driving slowly down the roadway, or maybe a vehicle that's parked in front of an abandoned home," said Modesto Police spokeswoman Heather Graves.

The department will hold training on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Modesto Dog Park .

"With the lack of resources we have, this gives us the ability to utilize the community as well to be reporters to keep an eye and ear out in their own neighborhood and report crime," Graves said.

Angulo and Ed Vieira both plan on being a part of the watch. Vieira and his weimaraner Alexander hope to do their part to make the streets a bit safer.

"I think it's good," he said. "Of course, we already have neighborhood watch but you know, every little bit helps.

Any owner who wants to be a part of the program can attend Tuesday's training at the park located at Enslen and Morris avenues.

For more information, contact Rosie Garcia at (209) 572-9636 or Christy Beffa at (209) 572-9639.

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