Police officer caught stealing from supermarket not suspended

A Nicosia police officer with sticky fingers is under investigation for a spate of shoplifting incidents, which were recorded on video, but despite his arrest and the evidence against him, the officer has not been suspended.

Investigations revealed that the thefts took place while the officer was on duty between February 23 and 25 with another crimewave unfolding on 2, 3, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21 March.

The manager of the supermarket reported the thefts to the police on April 6, with the officer in question charged in writing on April 14.

Subsequent searches at the officer’s house revealed some of the stolen items, and despite denying the charges against him the suspect agreed to pay €327.95 in damages to the supermarket.

Police spokesman Christos Andreou on Friday confirmed the case, first reported by daily Politis, and said that it was not deemed appropriate to suspend the officer. The lack of action has reportedly infuriated the officer’s colleagues.

Andreou explained that there are personal and private considerations for his case, citing health reasons, but did not elaborate further. The spokesman added, however, that the case is ongoing and the officer faces both disciplinary and criminal charges.

It was further reported that the officer has a long history of items seemingly disappearing in his presence. He had previously been relocated from other departments following complaints from his colleagues of goods going missing.