WIREDGOV

A former member of Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) front counter staff, based in Ilford, has been given a suspended jail sentence for stealing cash handed in as lost property.

As the result of our directed investigation, conducted by the MPS’ Anti-Corruption Command (ACC), Public Access Officer Neerju Mohamedally, 24, admitted theft of £64 at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 4 February 2021 and on 14 June 2021 was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

After receiving reports of money going missing, the MPS referred the case to the IOPC in August 2020. We provided independent oversight of the investigation, which was conducted by the MPS’ ACC.

In September 2020, Public Access Officer Mohamedally booked in cash at Ilford Police Station as lost property, which she later stole.

She was arrested and suspended from her role.

The investigation concluded with a file of evidence being sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, which undertook criminal proceedings against her.

Following the February hearing Mohamedally resigned from her job with immediate effect and has now left the MPS.

IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan said: “Neerju Mohamedally was in a position of trust, dealing with members of the public handling enquiries at the front counter of Ilford Police Station. She let down the public and the Metropolitan Police Service with her actions.

“The court has taken a dim view of her actions. There is no place in a police force for members of staff who breach the public’s trust.”

She was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay court costs of £340.