Protect the Crime Scene.

The police are well aware how traumatic it can be becoming a victim of burglary, however in order to give us the best change to catch the offenders, please ensure that you do not disturb the crime scene. Scenes of Crime Officers make every effort to attend as quickly as possible, but unfortunately sometimes there can be unavoidable delays. For this we apologise.

• Please ensure that you do not give in to the temptation to clear up any mess made by the burglar. You could and probably will be destroying evidence that might lead to their apprehension and conviction. Remember many burglars are serial offenders and will have committed many offences other than just yours.
  
• Do not introduce any foreign matter or objects into the scene, pet animals, footprints, fibres, cigarette ends or ash (should you be a smoker) etc.
  
• If the offender has obviously touched or moved items or consumed food or drink, under no circumstances remove or touch the items. There may be latent fingerprints on plates or glasses and dental impressions on food that can lead to their identification/conviction.
  
• Visible external footprints in soil or on paved surfaces, window sills or work tops need covering to protect them from the weather/disturbance. These can be valuable in determining the make of shoe, size and distinctive irregularities on tread patterns. Burglars often change their clothing, but still wear the same footwear whilst committing offences.

• Should they have handled paper documents remember that fingerprints can be taken from such items.
  
• Under no circumstances wash away any blood or saliva left at the scene, we need this for DNA testing.
  
• Don't move any tools left at the scene by the intruder, they may reveal valuable evidence such as matches with marks on the areas attacked, fibres, fingerprints or bodily fluids.
  
• Should the burglar have left cigarette ends/cigarettes behind, don't throw them away they will contain conclusive DNA evidence that may convict them.

• Remember help us catch burglars - Protect the scene.