PC Christopher Spence, 44, was caught on CCTV thieving nuts, cheese and other treats from a Lidl supermarket as footage shows the moment he left the store without paying
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Footage of PC Christopher Spence shoplifting in Lidl in Bideford
Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a police officer is caught stealing nuts, cheese and treats from a Lidl supermarket.
Thieving PC Christopher Spence, 44, placed a number of items in his rucksack – but only paid for one thing before leaving the store. He 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.
In a clip from the store’s CCTV showing a bird’s-eye view of the shop floor, Spence is seen wandering around the aisles picking up multiple items and putting them in his rucksack. But when he gets to the self-service checkout, he scans only one item before leaving the store, even appearing to thank a member of staff as he walks out.
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.”
