By Dayo Ade Olusola | August 20, 2025
A former UK police officer has been jailed after secretly stealing a woman’s underwear during a search of her home.
PC Marcin Zielinski, 47, was caught on a hidden camera taking the items while conducting a police operation.
The shocking incident occurred during a search of a Hertfordshire property on September 12, 2024, under Section 32 powers.
Footage later revealed Zielinski rifling through a bedroom drawer before discreetly pocketing a pink pair of panties.
The woman, whose property was being searched, had been arrested on an unrelated matter but was later released without charge.
Zielinski was unaware a hidden camera placed behind children’s toys had captured his actions.
The video showed him briefly looking away, before returning to the drawer, crumpling the underwear in his hand, and shoving it into his back pocket.
He quickly left the room immediately after concealing the stolen item.
The officer resigned from Hertfordshire Constabulary in November 2024 while still under investigation.
At Cambridge Crown Court this week, Zielinski admitted theft and was sentenced to four months in prison.
Prosecutors described his behaviour as a gross breach of trust that damaged public confidence in policing.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said the force was “appalled” by his conduct and confirmed misconduct proceedings would still take place.
“This behaviour is a gross breach of trust and falls far below the standards expected of a serving officer. His conviction and sentence reflect the seriousness of the offence,” the spokesperson added.
The force also confirmed that the victim has been offered support from specialist officers.
The case has sparked wider discussion about police accountability and misconduct across UK forces.
Campaigners say incidents of abuse of power within policing continue to undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Zielinski will now serve his sentence in custody before facing disciplinary procedures.
M10News Crime Desk |info@m10news.com
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