Tributes pour in after loss of Crimewatchers patrol dog

Shadow, a German Shepherd, sadly passed away on Wednesday 30th April after a night on patrol.

Crimewatchers is a community organisation with trained and licensed members who patrol the streets and work with police officers to keep their local communities safe.

The community group has been keeping watch over Droylsden and Audenshaw for a number of years.

In a post on Facebook, the Crimewatchers organisation shared the heartbreaking news:

“Last night, I lost more than just my dog—I lost my partner, my protector, and one of the truest souls I’ve ever known.

“Shadow wasn’t just part of our patrol team—he was the team. Always alert, always brave, and always by my side. Whether we were out on a night patrol or walking the fields after a long shift, he gave everything with unwavering loyalty and love.

“After every patrol, I’d let him off the lead in the field for a bit of fun, a small thank-you for the work he did for our community. Last night was no different… until everything changed in one heartbreaking moment.

“As I was getting him back into the van, as I’ve done thousands of times he stepped away, just for a second onto the road. We were parked in a lay-by where there’s no kerb, and a car came speeding by at a ridiculous speed. It struck Shadow right in front of me. The driver didn’t stop. Shadow didn’t stand a chance.

“I held him in my arms as he passed, doing everything I could to give him comfort in those final moments.

“Shadow wasn’t just a dog. He was family. He was courage on four legs. He made people feel safer just by being there. He had a way of making even the darkest nights feel less lonely.

“Thank you, Shadow for your service, your love, friendship and your loyalty. You’ll always be part of us. Always missed. Never forgotten. I’m so heartbroken. It was so fast and happened in an instant.”

The comments of the post are flooded with people sharing their condolences and heartbreak.