Cop Steals Money from Car to Pay Off Candy Store Debt: Report

Police Officer Stole Money To Pay Candy Debt

A now-former police officer admitted to taking £2.50 in loose change from a car whose owner was in police custody, then using the stolen money to repay his debt to a candy shop.

On June 21, the car's owner was arrested in the English village of Kidlington, Oxfordshire. PC James Tillcock, who was tasked with searching the car, reported that no items were taken from the vehicle. However, bodycam footage of Tillcock's search showed him pocketing several coins.

The Thames Valley Police served Tillcock with misconduct papers on July 2. Tillcock greeted the investigators with an admission of guilt.

"It's alright, I know why you are here," he said. "I was very silly. I was in debt for £2 to the tuck shop and took £2."

A tuck shop is a convenience store that typically specializes in the sale of snacks and candy.

The report stated that the remaining 50p was used to "purchase chocolate bars for his children." The incident led to Tillcock resigning from his position.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg told the BBC that, had Tillcock not resigned, terminating his employment would have been the "only reasonable outcome available."