West Yorkshire Police officer accused of stealing force motorbike boots and equipment to sell on eBay

A West Yorkshire Police officer is to face a misconduct hearing after it is alleged he stole various equipment from the force which he later sold on eBay.
By Lucy Leeson
Published 12th Apr 2021, 16:45 BST

PC David Hitchcocks, who was based at Eccleshil Police Station in Bradford as part of the off-road bike team, is accused of stealing a pair of motorbike boots issued to him by the force from a station locker room in July 2019.

CCTV footage from the police station shows PC Hitchcocks entering the station on July 2, 2019, empty handed and leaving a short time later with a large carrier bag.

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Several days later on July 13, a pair of motorcycle boots matching those missing were found for sale on eBay. The account holder relating to the sale of the boots was identified as PC Hitchcocks. The boots were sold for £170.

PC David Hitchcocks.PC David Hitchcocks.
PC David Hitchcocks.

Investigations revealed four other items of motorbike clothing and another pair of boots of brands used by West Yorkshire Police had been sold using the account held by PC Hitchcocks between January and October 2018.

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He is also accused of taking motorcycle boots from the police station that were issued to another officer which he subsequently sold on eBay without the consent of West Yorkshire Police.

A force spokesman said: "It is alleged that PC Hitchcocks has breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity and discreditable conduct."

The misconduct hearing will take place on April 20 and is expected to last two days.