In a stunning betrayal of duty that will shock the public, a serving Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted after CCTV footage captured him brazenly stealing a bank card from a vulnerable victim's wallet.
PC Sukhdev Singh, 27, was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work after his criminal actions were exposed by irrefutable video evidence. The officer, attached to the North Area Command Unit, had been dispatched to help a victim of crime but instead saw an opportunity for personal gain.
The Brazen Theft Caught on Camera
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard how Singh responded to a call in Barnet, north London, where he was supposed to be providing support and assistance. Instead, body-worn camera footage revealed the shocking moment the officer rifled through the victim's wallet and pocketed their bank card.
The court was shown damning evidence of Singh subsequently attempting to use the stolen card at a local convenience store. The entire sequence of events was captured on the store's CCTV system, creating an undeniable record of his criminal conduct.
A Gross Breach of Trust
Prosecutor Luke Staton described the incident as a "gross breach of trust" by someone in a position of authority. "He was there to help the victim, not to steal from them," Staton told the court during the sentencing hearing.
Singh, who has since been suspended from duty, pleaded guilty to theft and fraud by false representation. His actions have sparked fresh concerns about integrity within the Metropolitan Police force, which has faced numerous scandals in recent years.
Metropolitan Police Response
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that misconduct proceedings will now commence following the criminal case. "We are aware of the conviction of PC Sukhdev Singh for theft and fraud," the statement read. "He remains suspended from duty and misconduct proceedings will now follow."
The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, highlighting the seriousness of the offence and the damage caused to public confidence in law enforcement.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability within police forces and the devastating impact such breaches of trust have on community relations with law enforcement.
