Caught bangers to rights: Policeman is kicked out of the force for life after stealing seven fry-up breakfasts from the force canteen in his first week on the job

A police officer has been kicked out of the force for life after stealing seven fry-up breakfasts from the canteen in the first week of his new job.

PC Jamie Larman took the meals at a training centre near Reading, Berkshire, despite knowing he wasn't allowed them.

Officers and staff at the facility can enrol to stay on-site if they live more than 20 miles away from the base - and receive complimentary meals.

But those who live closer have to pay for their food - something PC Larman knew full well, a misconduct hearing was told.

He was caught after another Thames Valley Police (TVP) officer heard him say: 'I'm not entitled to this, but I should be, I only live just outside the boundary.'

PC Jamie Larman claimed he took the food to 'build rapport' with colleagues - which force bosses dismissed as 'nonsense'

Two weeks into training, after he was challenged about stealing breakfasts, he quit

The ex-officer later claimed he took the food to 'build rapport' with colleagues - which force bosses dismissed as 'nonsense'.

He is now banned from ever applying to a job in any police force in Britain again.

PC Larman had been a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) since May 2019, before starting his new role as a constable in January 2020.

But two weeks into training, after he was challenged about stealing breakfasts, he quit.

Documents also revealed that the ex-officer was given a warning last year when he was caught taking food before a training day as a PSCO.

TVP's Chief Constable John Campbell told the hearing: 'He states that the reason for his actions were to build rapport with colleagues who met early for breakfast ahead of training.

Thames Vally police HQ. Documents also revealed that the ex-officer was given a warning last year when he was caught taking food before a training day as a PSCO

'I consider this nonsense. He could have fulfilled this objective by paying for his own food and not stealing from TVP.

'To compound this, there is evidence he behaved similarly as a PSCO. He was fully aware of the force rules and that he was therefore not entitled to free food.

'It was not a ''mistake'', as he suggests - it was wilful and dishonest. He has no place in TVP.

'If he was still serving I would have dismissed him without notice. He will be placed on the COP [College of Policing] barred list.'