South Yorkshire Police officer accused of shoplifting could be sacked over theft caution
The constable is set to go before a South Yorkshire Police misconduct hearing next week
A South Yorkshire Police who received a caution for shoplifting could lose his job.
Police Constable Christopher Eaman received a caution for theft in May 2026.
Documents published by South Yorkshire Police, announcing a misconduct hearing next week state that on May 20, 2026, the “officer attended a shopping centre store and left the store without paying for multiple items, the value of these goods totalling £147.10.”
The documents add: “This is a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of Honesty and Integrity and Discreditable Conduct.
“The matters set out above are breaches of the Standards which are so serious as to justify dismissal and therefore constitute gross misconduct.”
PC Eaman is set to face the allegation at a misconduct hearing due to be held on Tuesday (July 14, 2026).
In May 2025, the government brought in new rules which mean a presumption of dismissal has been created for proven gross misconduct, which means “there will be a clear expectation that officers will be sacked unless there are exceptional circumstances.”
Detailing the “purpose” of public misconduct hearings, South Yorkshire Police’s website states it is to “show” their “disciplinary system is open and transparent” and to demonstrate that the force does “hold officers who breach the standards of professional behaviour, or those where misconduct is found proven, accountable for their actions.”
Hearings should be heard by a panel of three people that should be chaired by an independent legally qualified person chosen from a pool held by the local policing body, further guidance states.