Policewoman sacked for shoplifting spree Officer blamed mental state after stealing make-up
APOLICEWOMAN has been dismissed by West Midland Police after going on a £200 shoplifting spree in the Bullring while on duty.
Pc Abigail Smith stole £70 worth of moisturiser from Selfridges before going on to steal another £130 of cosmetics from Superdrug and Kiko Milano.
She was dismissed for gross misconduct after appearing in front of a Misconduct Hearing chaired by Chief Constable Dave Thompson. She had been handed a caution on September 26 this year after the Bullring shoplifting offences were assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Yvonne Bruton, representing West Midlands Police’s professional standards team, said Smith’s offences happened at a number of shops at the Bullring on May 12.
She said: “She had been caught stealing moisturiser worth £70 from Selfridges. It was later discovered she had stole cosmetics from Superdrug and Kiko Milano. In total she had stolen £200 in goods.”
In a statement read out at the Lloyd House hearing, Pc Smith blamed pressure of her job for her behaviour and criticised West Midlands Police for not giving her enough support.
She said: “I am sorry behaviour.
“This was totally out of character for me but my behaviour was due to the state of my mental health at the time. Back in 2017 I had four months off work due to stress in my job.
“When I returned I was moved to another job role without really being consulted about this.
“I feel I didn’t receive the sup- for my port that I should have received despite bringing the matter up with my sergeant.
“This has had a massive impact on my home life and I am struggling to support myself.”
Dismissing Pc Smith with immediate effect, Chief Constable Thompson said: “This is very serious as the public trust has been lost.
“The offences were carried out while on duty. It is a case of gross misconduct. I understand there is a great deal of pressure working as a police officer in the force but there is access to support services 24 hours a day.”