Police officer caught red handed stealing snacks from Lidl

An off-duty police officer was caught on camera stealing a rucksack of snacks from Lidl.

Christopher Spence, 44, walked around the supermarket stuffing £30 worth of nuts, cheese, drink and treats into his bag before leaving after paying for just one item at the self-checkout on February 12.

Staff recognised him from a previous visit to the store on Clovelly Road, in Bideford, Devon, in his role as a uniformed police officer.

In fact, he was supposed to be cracking down on shoplifting himself, he had told them before.

Feleena Grosvenor, prosecuting, told Exeter Crown Court: ‘On the day of this theft he was due back in the store in relation to an assault on staff, so his relationship with them was very much entwined.’

Initially Mr Spence denied the charge of theft, instead claiming he had left the stolen goods in a basket at the store when he realised he didn’t have the right bank card.

But CCTV had caught him in the act and he later changed his plea to guilty.

Mr Spence, of Abbotsham, Devon, has now been handed an 18-month community order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £300 towards prosecution costs within 12 months, a victim surcharge and £30 compensation to the store.

The police officer, who has been suspended from duty since his arrest, also faces misconduct proceedings within the force.

Judge Stephen Climie said the ‘moment of madness’ would end Mr Spence’s police career.

Defending the father of three, Warren Robinson said: ‘It’s a tragedy of his own making. He has thrown himself under the bus.’

After 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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