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By TOM MIDLANE
Published: | Updated:
This footage shows the moment a shoplifting police officer from Devon was captured on CCTV pilfering from a local Lidl.
PC Christopher Spence, 44, who was caught lifting nuts, cheese and treats from the supermarket shelves has been spared jail and instead fined and handed a community order.
The cop, who was off-duty at the time of the offence, is seen pacing around the store, before placing a number of products into his rucksack.
However, when PC Spence comes to the self-checkout, he only pays for a single item before leaving the shop.
He appeared before Exeter Crown Court where he had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of theft, following an incident at Lidl, in Bideford, on February 12.
He was sentenced on Tuesday to 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.
Spence – who was off duty at the time of the offence – is now subject to misconduct proceedings within the force and has been suspended from duty since his arrest.
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.
PC Christopher Spence, 44, was fined and forced to do community service after being caught lifting nuts, cheese and treats from the supermarket shelves
PC Spence seen entering Lidl in Bideford on Monday 12 February, 2024 before his stealing spree
PC Spence looks around him to check his surroundings before approaching the shop’s shelves
PC Spence can clearly be seen placing an array of items from the shelves into the backpack at his side
When the off-duty policemen arrived at the self-checkouts, he only paid for one item
PC Spence captured leaving the store with his backpack full of stolen goods
‘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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