Police officer stole tactical clothing from fellow cops

COLLEAGUES BECAME SUSPICIOUS WHEN HE WORE STOLEN BOOTS DURING SHIFT

A SERVING police officer has pleaded guilty to stealing tactical boots and jackets from his fellow cops.

Edward Ballantyne-Rowland, 24, had only recently been employed as a police officer based in the Oldham District when a number of items were taken from the station’s locker room.

Other officers became suspicious when he began wearing boots which were reported to have been stolen, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

These concerns led to his locker being searched, as well as his house in Little Hayfield, and all the items were recovered.

Pc Ballantyne-Rowland initially denied the offences, stating to officers in an interview that they were ‘abandoned,’ but yesterday he admitted three offences of theft.

His sentence has been adjourned until next month to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Greater Manchester Police earlier said that Pc Ballantyne-Rowland remains suspended from duty pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The court heard that:

■ Between October 25 and December 3 of last year he stole Viper Tactical Venom boots

■ Between November 1 and December 3 he stole a jacket and epaulettes

■ And between October 11 and October 14 of last year he stole a pair of Altberg boots

Gavin Hughes, prosecuting, said Pc Ballantyne-Rowland had only recently become a police officer and was based at Oldham.

In a victim personal statement, one officer said: “I have been a police officer for 15 years and the whole time I have trusted each and every officer.

“This incident has totally shocked me and I don’t understand how an officer can steal personal property from another.”

Pc Ballantyne-Rowland was said to have no previous convictions.

His defence lawyer, Evan Wright initially suggested that the court could adopt a lower sentence in the sentencing range for the offence.

But, District Judge Joanne Hirst said she ‘didn’t believe’ she could rule out a custodial sentence.

The case was adjourned for sentence to December 20, and Pc Ballantyne-Rowland, of Chelford Road, Ollerton, Knutsford, was granted unconditional bail.