Police officer who stole from shop given 18-month community order
Police say 'this behaviour undermines all those officers who behave to the highest standards day in, day out'
Last updated 27th Nov 2024
A Devon and Cornwall police officer who admitted stealing from a shop has been sentenced.
PC Christopher Spence has been given an eighteen month community order for theft from the Lidl in Bideford in February.
The 44 year old has been suspended from the force since his arrest, and now faces disciplinary proceedings.
Spence was seen on CCTV placing a number of items in his rucksack but only paying for one thing which he kept in the open and leaving the store.
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.
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.”