A serving police constable has appeared in court accused of stealing cash, jewellery and a power tool from a property following a drugs raid.
Court hears details of alleged thefts
Pc Robert Davies, 48, of Warwickshire Police, faced three counts of theft at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Friday, 5 December. The charges are all connected to his duties as a police officer. Davies declined to indicate a plea during the brief hearing.
Prosecutor Fahad Gazge told District Judge Michelle Smith that the defendant was a constable with 21 years of service. He is alleged to have committed the thefts while working as an exhibits officer.
Specific charges outlined
The court heard the specific allegations against the officer. Two of the charges relate to an incident in November 2023. Davies is accused of stealing cash, jewellery and a power drill from an address in Redditch, Worcestershire.
The third charge alleges he stole £180 in cash "belonging to The Crown" in February of this year in Alcester.
Case transferred to crown court
Following legal submissions, District Judge Smith declined jurisdiction over the case. She ordered that it be transferred to Birmingham Crown Court for trial.
Davies, who spoke only to confirm his personal details and state he did not wish to indicate a plea, was granted unconditional bail. He is due to appear for a further hearing on 7 January.
IOPC-directed investigation
The charges were brought following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). In a statement, the IOPC confirmed the charges relate to the alleged theft of cash and property in the course of his duties between November 2023 and February this year.
The watchdog stated: "An investigation was conducted by Warwickshire Police under the direction of the IOPC’s anti-corruption unit, which followed a referral by the force in October last year. On completion of the investigation a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service which decided to authorise the charges."
Davies is charged with three counts of theft contrary to sections one and seven of the Theft Act 1968.
