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[JamesV6CDX]

A MECHANIC was arrested after an off duty police officer allegedly accused him of stealing his sunglasses – which turned out to be in his car the whole time.

Richard Smith, who works at MOTMax in Mansfield, said the Notts Police Officer could not find his sunglasses when he returned to pick up his car after testing.

It is claimed he then accused Mr Smith of stealing them, and arrested him.

Mr Smith said he was held for about 40 minutes while another officer who was called to the scene searched MOTMax. The glasses were eventually found in the car.

Mr Smith, 45, said: "It was very humiliating.

"I told him that when I did the brake test I had to move an arm rest out of the way, and that there were a couple of pairs of sunglasses on it that may have fallen down."He just would not believe what I said. He came over straight away and arrested me."

Mr Smith said he did not know the man was a police officer until he showed him his badge and arrested him.

He added: "I had to empty my pockets, and he went through my coat, my bag and my van. "When the (other) officer came, he asked if he could have a look in the customer's car. Within five minutes he had brought the glasses back.

"I think (the first officer) was totally out of order. We had customers in the waiting room as well."

Stefan Hopewell, managing director at MOTMax, said the garage was forced to cancel one of its later tests because of the search.

He added that the police officer refused to go into a back room to discuss the problem.

"We faced public humiliation and embarrassment," he said. "It felt like he was abusing his power and we were on the end of it.

"We only do MOTs and we build our reputation on being honest and not ripping people off. I just felt he went completely over the top."

The company has since lodged an official complaint with Notts Police.

A Notts Police spokesperson said: "We have received a formal complaint regarding this matter, and the incident is being looked at by the Professional Standards Department."

Source:

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Stolen-police-glasses-car/article-731869-detail/article.html

[HolyCount]

Hmmm --- don't know the ins and outs, but sounds as though he did go OTT over this.

[JamesV6CDX]

Hmmm --- don't know the ins and outs, but sounds as though he did go OTT over this.

Likewise, I too can't form an opinion without knowing full details - but I suspect the officer will be on donut duty for some time...  

[stuart30]

Based just on the story and assuming that is what actually happened id say the copper in question abused his authority and should be severely reprimanded.

If he believed a theft of his property took place then he like anyone else should have reported it too the nearest station and let them deal with it...instead he has jumped too a conclusion with no evidence and wrongly accused an innocent man purely as he has a position of power not too mention wasting police time and blighting the reputation of the garage.

Copper sounds like a complete thingy and id hope (not that he will) he gets the sack.....tosser.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Lol, heard this.....very OTT.

To arrest somebody based on zero evidence and without the general commen sense to check your own car thoroughly.....I hope they throw the book at the jumped up shite!

[stuart30]

Lol, heard this.....very OTT.

To arrest somebody based on zero evidence and without the general commen sense to check your own car thoroughly.....I hope they throw the book at the jumped up shite!

I doubt he will get more than some friendly ribbing in the staff canteen.

Shame the MOT guy didnt take a photo of the prat and plaster it all over the internet.

[JamesV6CDX]

Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit   - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

[stuart30]

Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit   - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Yeah but there wasnt any....

[JamesV6CDX]

Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit   - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Yeah but there wasnt any....

If he knew for sure they were in the car when he took them in, and knew for sure they weren't in there on collection - that would give him the suspicion. But the fact of the matter is - (if the article is correct) he DIDNT check the car properly - and acted way too quickly - which took the situation well out of proportion.

That's my interpretation anyway. Bottom line is, on the facts presented, it sounds like he needs a chill pill  

[Marks DTM Calib]

Get him directing traffic for 3 months!

[JamesV6CDX]

Get him directing traffic for 3 months!

Worse - 3 months of night time public order duties  

[Mr Skrunts]

Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit   - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Had the tester not mentioned moving the sunglasses then this would be a completely different story.

Bet theres a sign in the garage now that says  valuables left in cars at owners own risk.

Also I would make a bet that if any normal member of the public made a similar complaint the police would not be interested.

I reckon his car fails next year . . . . .

[Marks DTM Calib]

Evidence is not necessarily needed, just reasonable suspicion. I do however, agree about the common sense to check his own car bit   - it all sounds very out of proportion to me!

Had the tester not mentioned moving the sunglasses then this would be a completely different story.

Bet theres a sign in the garage now that says  valuables left in cars at owners own risk.

Also I would make a bet that if any normal member of the public made a similar complaint the police would not be interested.
I reckon his car fails next year . . . . .

Sadly, that will probably be the case.

e.g. A neighbour had an ipod stolena dn despte havinga description of teh person, the Police were not interested

My car being hit and the driver failing to stop, I had photos, reg and all sorts, the Police even said that they would get back in touch with me within 1 week.....did I hear anything, did I break.

I have a lot of respect for the Police but, I am starting to loose faith!

[JamesV6CDX]

My car being hit and the driver failing to stop, I had photos, reg and all sorts, the Police even said that they would get back in touch with me within 1 week.....did I hear anything, did I break.

That's bad...  

[Andy B]

......
I have a lot of respect for the Police but, I am starting to loose faith!

and that probably goes for more & more people these days.