Police officer sacked after shoplifting at Birmingham Bull Ring while on duty

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A police officer has been sacked for shoplifting £200 worth of items while on duty.

Among the items taken by Abigail Smith was £70 of moisturiser from Selfridges in Birmingham's Bull Ring shopping centre while she was supposed to be working.

The misconduct hearing heard how the disgraced West Midland's Police officer pocketed the moisturiser.

A statement was read on behalf of PC Smith, who apologised and said she believed it “was a cry for help”.

She said: “I felt as if a burden had been lifted and people could see I needed help."

PC Smith said she believed she had been “let down by West Midlands Police” and had suffered from mental health issues due to the stress of the job.

She added that she had spent nearly four months off work due to stress.

She was issued with a caution for theft and dismissed without notice for gross misconduct.

Chief Constable David Thompson said: “I’m sure it is very difficult you being here today. This case is one of gross misconduct because it is a criminal offence and one of dishonesty. You are very accountable for your actions. It is a breach of public trust. You were shoplifting while on duty.

“I have determined the officer ought to be dismissed without notice."