A police officer was caught stealing nuts, cheese and treats from a supermarket.
CCTV footage shows the moment thieving PC Christopher Spence put several items in his rucksack at Lidl – but only paid for one thing before leaving the store.
The 44-year-old appeared before Exeter Crown Court, where he had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of theft following an incident at Lidl, in Bideford, north Devon on February 12.
Spence was caught on camera wandering around the aisles picking up multiple items and putting them in his bag. However, when he got to self-service checkout, he only scanned one item before leaving the store. He is then seen brazenly thanking a member of staff as he walks out, reports the Mirror.
He was sentenced on Tuesday to an 18-month community order. Spence – who was off duty at the time of the offence – is now subject to misconduct proceedings within the force.
He has been suspended from duty since his arrest. Spence was given an 18-month community order, told to do 150 hours unpaid work, pay £300 towards prosecution costs within 12 months, a victim surcharge and £30 compensation to the store.
A Devon and Cornwall Police chief has apologised for the officer’s actions and insisted it “does not reflect the values” of the force. Following sentencing, Superintendent Toby Davies, Commander in North and West Devon, said: “We are deeply disappointed by the actions of Chris Spence, particularly given his neighbourhood role within the community. First and foremost, I want to assure our community that the action of one individual does not reflect the values or integrity of our local officers.
“We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of trust and confidence in the community we serve, and I would like to assure the public that such incidents are rare. This behaviour undermines all those officers who behave to the highest standards day in, day out, keeping our area safe. As we move forwards, we will continue to be open and transparent, and hold ourselves accountable, and we will work hard to ensure that the actions of one individual does not undermine the confidence and trust we have worked so hard to build.”
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