Securing evidence

If you have been the victim of a crime there may be forensic evidence, which can take many forms. Below is some advice from our Crime Scene Investigators on what to do next.  

Injury photography 

If you have been injured as part of a crime you may want to take a photo of your injuries or you may be asked to take a photo of your injuries. This should take into account: 

• Sequence: Start with a logical sequence, taking overall image, this also allows the investigator, CPS and the courts to understand the extent of the injuries and where exactly they are located on the body. 
• Close up: Should be taken so that the injury fills the frame, take one with a scale such as a ruler and one without, for each injury, make sure none of the images are blurred. 
• Background: Find a plain background in which to obtain the photographs – such as a neutral wall. Make sure that there is no one else in the background, including children or pets. 
• Location: Avoid taking any photographs where this maybe an identifiable private location (if not known to the suspect). 
• Light: Make sure there is sufficient light but avoid any reflections, natural light if possible.  

Technology 

Technology may be present in many types of crime, and in many forms. Is there technology around which may have evidence? Have you or anyone nearby got video doorbells or CCTV? Have any devices been stolen?   

Burglary of shed or garage/ criminal damage/ vehicle crime 

Blood   

Did you see any blood anywhere?  

If you have found blood, a Crime Scene Investigator may need to examine the location. Please consider the following advice:  

Preserve   

• If you think the blood may be lost before a CSI can attend, think about how you can preserve it, in particular if it is outside. You can do this by covering it with a waterproof container.   

Avoid  

• Avoid touching it. If you must move an item with blood on, cover your hand with a glove or plastic bag and try to handle it away from usual touch points, i.e. don’t hold the handle.  

Think about  

• Where possible keep others, especially children and pets, away from these areas to avoid evidence being disturbed.  
• It may be some time before a CSI can attend. If you need to use areas of your home before they can arrive, use the above advice to make sure you can use necessary items and areas.  
• If in doubt, stay away from as many areas possible and don’t touch the items. A Crime Scene Investigator can give you advice.   

Burglary: Residential/ business or community building  

Blood 

• Did you see any blood anywhere? 

Items 

• Are there any items you don’t recognise which may have been left by the offender(s)? These could be belongings, clothing, tools, food or drink. Or have some of your items been moved? These could have been used by an offender. 

Footwear marks 

• Can you see marks left behind by footwear in soft surfaces such as soil, or on hard surfaces in dust or other materials? 

Forced entry 

• Can you see marks to a window or door where someone has broken in or tried to? 

Surfaces 

• What are your surfaces like? This may be the ground or higher surfaces like tables and kitchen worktops. Fingerprints and footwear marks may be present on smooth surfaces but you can’t always see them without forensic methods. 

Technology 

• What technology do you have or is around? Have you or anyone nearby got video doorbells or CCTV? Have any devices been stolen?  

Preserve   

• Preserve any obvious evidence that you think may be lost before a CSI can attend. In particular; if it is outside. This may be footwear marks, fingerprints, blood or items.  You can do this by covering it with a waterproof container.   

Avoid  

• Avoid contact with smooth surfaces where possible. Rough surfaces with no visible marks should be fine.  
• Avoid touching it. If you must move an item, cover your hand with a glove or plastic bag; and try to handle it away from usual touch points, i.e. don’t hold the handle.  

Think about

• Where possible keep others, especially children and pets, away from these areas to avoid evidence being disturbed.  
• It may be some time before a CSI can attend. If you need to use areas of your home before they can arrive, use the above advice to make sure you can use necessary items and areas.  
• If in doubt, stay away from as many areas possible and don’t touch the items. A Crime Scene Investigator can give you advice.