Policeman in 12 month ‘stolen biscuit’ probe
He’s off beat despite staffing crisis
A POLICEMAN who allegedly stole a colleague’s biscuits has been on restricted duties for a year while the claim is probed.
The PC is said to have handed out the snacks after finding an open packet.
He was accused of theft and pulled off the streets in Kingston, South West London, in June 2016. Scotland Yard’s Department of Professional Standards is still investigating.
The officer is one of thousands unable to tackle crime or engage with the public during probes into what are often minor allegations – despite a police staffing crisis. A source said: “They offered biscuits from an open packet at the end of a shift. The issue is the time it takes to conduct investigations, the average taking over a year. “The officers, who in most cases have done little or nothing wrong, work within restricted guidelines while watching colleagues burn out.” In March 2016, 4,933 officers in England and Wales were on restricted duties – 4% of the total. Scotland Yard confirmed an officer was put on restricted duties over claims of biscuit theft, adding: “The investigation has nearly concluded.”