The KLM Royal Dutch airline is using a unique tactic to reunite customers with their lost items: puppy power.

In a new program, KLM is employing a beagle named Sherlock to sniff out customers in the Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport who've left items on airplanes.

Sherlock, just like his namesake detective, tracks down people leaving airport gates after they've left things like cell phones, books and stuffed animals while traveling. However, unlike Sherlock Holmes, doggy Sherlock wears a vest uniform and is sent running down the concourse to track down owners by his keen sense of smell. KLM Lost & Found workers then follow-up with customers, returning their lost items to them.

"Our main goal is to return lost items to the owner as fast as possible," a member of KLM's "Team Lost & Found," Sandra List, said. "I think he is a real asset to the company."

The airline reported in a statement Tuesday that through social media, vigilance and Sherlock's running they are able to return around 80 percent of belongings left behind on airplanes.

Typically, KLM receives 40,000 questions via social media every week, most commonly asking about how and where to collect lost items. It has not been reported of any people intentionally leaving items in their seats as incentive to meet Sherlock.

The beagle's trainer, Dirk van Driel, said Sherlock is trained for his "muscle strength, endurance and of course socialization. When you see the reactions of the passengers, that really is amazing."

Sherlock's presence has made him a bit of a celebrity at Schiphol; people pose for selfies with the dog and one KLM check-in desk worker said she "spoils him" when he visits her station.

A video released by KLM showing Sherlock in action can be seen below.