In a bizarre incident in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, a police officer has lost his job after stealing approximately 180 kilograms of cheddar cheese from an overturned truck. The decision by the Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Administrative Court to reject his appeal confirms the severity of his actions.
Nine Packs of Cheese
According to tag24, the officer was tasked with securing an accident site as part of his duty with the highway police. Upon arriving at the scene in a police van near the damaged truck container, he reportedly instructed a recovery firm employee to hand over several packages of cheese.
The stolen goods amounted to nine packages, each weighing 20 kilograms, valued at 554 euros in total. "The defendant brought some of the packages back to the police station," the court statement read, indicating that he likely kept some for himself, friends, and relatives.
During his appeal, the officer claimed that the cheese was practically worthless and that he had intervened to save it from destruction, despite not even liking cheddar cheese himself.
Court Disagrees
However, the court disagreed, emphasizing that the officer committed theft while on duty in uniform and carrying his service weapon.
"This behavior has seriously damaged the reputation of the state police," the court emphasized, dismissing the argument that the cheese had little value. It asserted that preventing theft was part of the officer's duty.
Previously, the officer had received a warning in a minor criminal case. Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, disciplinary action was initiated by the state, possibly resulting in a fine of 90 day-fines at 25 euros each.
The incident has sparked debate over the conduct and accountability of law enforcement officials, highlighting the consequences of actions that undermine public trust and the integrity of police forces.
