THREE police officers who gave a caution to a burglar have been disciplined.

Essex Police launched an inquiry into the use of cautions after the victim, Monique Carson, complained.

Ireneusz Blaszczyk, 24, of Meadgate Avenue, Great Baddow, had stolen jewellery and a games console from her home in Galleywood.

Blaszczyk was arrested, admitted he was responsible and was given a caution.

The inquiry found cautions were generally used well by the force, but there were also examples of serious crimes being dealt with in this way.

In Blaszczyk’s case, the Crown Prosecution Service agreed the caution use was unsafe and charged the suspect with burglary.

He will be sentenced on January 13 after admitting burglary when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed a detective inspector, custody sergeant and another officer had been disciplined.

They will receive performance plans and advice about their decision making.

Miss Carson welcomed the decision to take the culprit to court.

Nick Alston, police and crime commissioner, and former Chief Constable, Jim Barker-McCardle, launched the inquiry into cautions.

Mr Alston said: “Burglary is a serious crime and I expect the police and the criminal justice system to treat it seriously.

“To find a criminal has broken into your home and stolen property, some of which may have highly personal and unique qualities such as photographs of loved ones, is highly distressing.”

According to a Government website, cautions are given to anyone aged ten or over for minor crimes, for example graffiti.

The culprit has to admit the offence and agree to be cautioned, and can be arrested and charged if they do not agree.

A caution is not a criminal conviction, but it could be used as evidence of bad character.

Essex Police declined to comment.