Special constable sacked for stealing Sainsbury's shopping bags

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 17:38 · Archive

A special constable with West Mercia Police was dismissed after stealing three 40p carrier bags from Sainsbury's, where he also worked.

Special constable Luke Hodgson was dismissed from West Mercia Police after stealing three 40p carrier bags from Sainsbury's, where he also worked. Sainsbury's sacked him for gross misconduct in December, and the police force followed suit after a disciplinary hearing held in July.

Chief constable Richard Cooper determined that Hodgson had acted dishonestly and knowingly taken the bags without paying. Cooper concluded this amounted to theft that breached professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, and discredited the service at a level amounting to gross misconduct.

Cooper ruled that dismissal without notice was necessary. He stated in his written decision that public confidence cannot be maintained if Hodgson retained his role as constable, despite Hodgson's previously unblemished record during his brief service before the thefts came to light.

How it is being reported

• West Mercia Policeman sacked for stealing 40p carrier bags from Sainsbury'sSpecial constable “discredited the service” by stealing from his other employer.Birmingham World · 13 Oct, 17:18
• West Mercia Policeman sacked for stealing 40p carrier bags from Sainsbury'sSpecial constable “discredited the service” by stealing from his other employer.Express & Star · 13 Oct, 17:18
• Midland police officer sacked for stealing three 40p Sainsbury's shopping bagsVolunteer cop was fired by the supermarket chain and then lost his role with the West MerciaBirminghamLive · 13 Oct, 12:03

In this story: Luke Hodgson · West Mercia Police · Sainsbury's · Richard Cooper

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