A police officer, Christopher Spence, was recently caught on camera shoplifting from a Lidl supermarket in Bideford, Devon. The 44-year-old constable was seen on CCTV placing various items, including steak, crisps, nuts, a block of cheese, bottles of drink, and Easter treat bags into his rucksack. Despite only paying for one item at a self-service checkout, Spence left the store with his bag open, revealing the stolen goods. The incident took place on February 12, and Spence was sentenced on November 26 to an 18-month community order. He also received 150 hours of unpaid work, was ordered to pay £300 towards prosecution costs within 12 months, along with a victim surcharge and £30 compensation to the store.
Spence, who was off duty at the time of the offence, has been suspended from duty since his arrest. His defence lawyer, Warren Robinson, stated that Spence acknowledged his mistake and attributed it to financial pressure. Despite this incident, Robinson highlighted Spence’s years of service as a police officer, during which he had reportedly saved lives. Following the sentencing, superintendent Toby Davies expressed deep disappointment in Spence’s actions, stating that they do not reflect the values or integrity of local officers. Davies assured the public that such incidents are rare and reiterated the commitment to maintaining trust and confidence in the community.
The police officer’s misconduct proceedings within the Devon and Cornwall Police force are ongoing. Davies emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability, affirming that the actions of one individual should not undermine the hard-earned trust in the local police force. The community was reassured that the majority of officers uphold high standards daily to ensure public safety. Despite Spence’s actions, the force remains dedicated to upholding these standards and regaining public trust.
Spence’s defence team explained that he had struggled with opening up about his personal struggles, leading to the “horrible mistake” of shoplifting. The financial difficulties he faced at the time were cited as a contributing factor to his actions. While Spence’s sentencing includes community service and financial restitution, his lawyer highlighted his positive contributions to the community as a police officer and expressed regret over the incident. The police force continues to emphasise their commitment to maintaining trust and integrity, striving to ensure that individual incidents do not tarnish the reputation of the force.
In response to the incident, the police force has taken steps to address the misconduct and uphold accountability within their ranks. Superintendent Davies reiterated the force’s dedication to transparency and maintaining the community’s trust. By addressing the actions of a single individual, the force aims to demonstrate their commitment to upholding high standards and ensuring public safety. Despite the disappointment caused by Spence’s actions, the police force remains focused on rebuilding trust and preserving the integrity of their service to the community.