CPS name police officer suspected of stealing from Warwickshire Police HQ

However this morning the Crown Prosecution Service have named the man as 54-year-old Paul Andrew Greaves from the Stratford area, despite Warwickshire Police’s refusal to do so.

The move by police prompted a back-lash on social networking site Twitter after the force announced that due to a change in policy the former policeman would not be named by the force.

But according to the Crown Prosecution Service, it is always the policy of prosecutors to name someone who is charged, regardless of the crime.

A West Midlands CPS spokesman added: “Paul Andrew Greaves has been charged with committing theft from his employer, Warwickshire Police, between June 2009 and September 2011.”

The initial press release about the 54-year-old from the Stratford area said: “Due to a change in policy we no longer release the name of an individual on charge. Journalists may request a surname for guidance the day before the first court appearance by calling the newsdesk.”

That statement has now been removed, and a new statement, which has also been removed, was posted this morning before the CPS named the former officer. It said: “In keeping with national policy Warwickshire Police does not name suspects on arrest. The force may, however, name suspects on charge unless it is inappropriate to do so. In the case in question it is inappropriate to name the person at this time.

“Following feedback over this issue we will be reviewing our policy and will ensure that it is aligned to national guidelines.”

Police confirmed the theft had taken place at their former headquarters at Leek Wootten and that the man will be appearing before magistrates in Leamington on May 22.