A SENIOR Essex Police officer has set the record straight over their attendance at a 999 call to a shop where shoplifters had confronted staff with a knife.
The portfolio holder for public protection at Thurrock Council, cll Jane Pothecary had called for an investigation.
A police spokesperson said:
"At 07.38pm on Friday March 18, Essex Police received a 999 call from the Lidl Store in South Ockendon to report a theft by two men who were reported to have a knife. At 07.40pm a police car containing two officers, carrying Taser, was dispatched to the scene.
"These officers arrived at the car park to Lidl at 7.45 pm. There was no reports of any injuries at the scene and therefore the officers focused on the search to detain those responsible.
"This search continued for just over half an hour. Usual procedures should have been for an investigator to also attend the store to commence the initial investigation.
"Following the conclusion of the search the incident was incorrectly passed to the Force Crime Bureau for recording and therefore an officer was not dispatched to the shop itself".
The Local Policing Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Sean O’Callaghan, said: “I have spoken to the member of staff from Lidl and apologised for officers not visiting him on the night of the incident. I have personally overseen the review of this incident and six officers are being spoken to by me and will receive management action for their involvement in the response."
"The investigation into the theft is continuing and officers are attempting to arrest a suspected offender".
