A serving police officer has been accused of stealing cash, jewellery, and a power tool from a property he was supposed to be securing as evidence following a drugs raid.
Charges and Court Appearance
Police Constable Robert Davies, 48, from Alcester in Warwickshire, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Friday. He declined to indicate a plea to three counts of theft, all alleged to have occurred in connection with his duties.
The charges detail that in November 2023, while attending an address in Redditch, Worcestershire, Davies is accused of stealing cash, jewellery, and a drill. A further charge alleges he stole £180 in cash 'belonging to The Crown' in Alcester in February of this year.
Role as Exhibits Officer Under Scrutiny
Prosecutor Fahad Gazge informed the court that Davies, an officer with 21 years of service, was working as an exhibits officer at the time of the alleged offences. This role specifically involves the secure handling and documentation of items connected to investigations.
Following legal submissions, District Judge Michelle Smith declined jurisdiction and transferred the case to Birmingham Crown Court for trial. Davies was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear for a further hearing on January 7.
Independent Investigation and Police Conduct
The case was investigated by Warwickshire Police under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct's (IOPC) anti-corruption unit. The probe began after a referral from the force in October last year.
In a statement, the IOPC confirmed: "The charges relate to the alleged theft of cash and property in the course of his duties on dates between November 2023 and February this year." A file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges.
Davies is charged with three counts of theft contrary to the Theft Act 1968.
