1 min read
When it comes to stories about bizarre police behaviour, I'm not sure my mind is imaginative enough to dream up what they get up to. The other day it was female officers dressing up in burkas so they could experience being a Muslim.
But this latest story is plain bonkers. Police in Richmond are breaking into unlocked cars, taking property left inside, and leaving a note to tell the driver to take more care and their property is at the police station.
"We have had a bit [of a] problem with thefts from cars, so we decided to be a bit
more innovative," said Supt. Jim Davis, the officer behind the initiative.If items are needed urgently, police will return the goods immediately.
"We want to stop people from being the victims of crime," he said. "We are not
talking about £3 in loose change in the glove compartment, we are talking
about cameras, laptops and expensive leather jackets. People would be far
more upset if their property really was stolen.
So let's get this right. In an area with a "bit of a problem" of thefts, the police aren't out catching the thieves. They are going round looking for unlocked cars and pretending to steal the goods inside. Yes, it's certainly "innovative". It's also stupid, and a complete misuse of police powers and police time.
Can the police themselves be prpsecuted for wasting police time?
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