P.C. Gets 18-Month Community Order For Shoplifting

Devon and Cornwall Police Constable Christopher Spence (pictured left) has been given an 18-month community order after being found guilty at Exeter Crown Court of shoplifting.  Spence - aged 44, of Abbotsham, North Devon - was captured on a security camera stealing goods from a Lidl supermarket in Bideford on February 12th, 2024.  Whilst off-duty, he was seen wandering around the store with a rucksack, into which he put a packet of steak, a non-food item, a bag of nuts or crisps, a block of cheese, two bottles of drink, and four Easter treat bags.  The only item he appeared to pay for on leaving the shop was a loaf of bread.  Father-of-three Spence had ironically been involved with anti-shoplifting campaigns whilst in the force; he had also saved people from committing suicide and rescued others from incoming tides during his police career.  Spence was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work during his 18-month community order, as well as pay £300 towards prosecution costs within twelve months, a victim surcharge, and £30 compensation to the store.  More about the case, with a video of the officer carrying out the thefts, can be seen HERE.