AN EX-DORSET police officer is due to appear in court next month after being charged with five counts of theft.

The 50-year-old former officer, who recently retired from the force, was arrested following allegations concerning theft of police property.

The investigation was supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The former officer is due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday December 4.

A 53-year-old woman, who is a civilian member of staff at Dorset Police and was also arrested on suspicion of theft, remains on police bail until mid-December.

The alleged incidents are said to be unconnected.