Preserving evidence

Advice on preserving evidence so that crime scene investigators can help identify who is responsible.

Forensic evidence can help investigators identify who is responsible for a crime. This may include CCTV footage or physical evidence, such as:

• blood or other bodily fluids
• tools or objects left behind
• fingerprints
• footwear marks

When reporting a crime, tell us if you believe forensic evidence may be present. We will advise whether it is likely to assist the investigation.

Preserving evidence

If forensic evidence is:

• On clothing: Remove the item as soon as possible and place it in a clean bag to prevent contamination.
• On your skin: Avoid touching or washing the area and let us know immediately.
• Footwear marks outdoors: If rain is expected, cover the mark with a clean container, tray or similar item to protect it.
• Evidence found outdoors: If an item may be damaged by the weather, photograph it, carefully move it indoors while wearing gloves if available, and set it aside for examination by crime scene investigators.

Areas of the home that have been disturbed

Where possible, avoid walking directly in front of the point of entry, as footwear marks may be present. Instead, keep to the sides of the room and minimise movement near the entry point.

Do not touch, move or clean:

• blood or other fluids
• footwear marks
• areas or items that may have been handles by the offender

You can continue to use light switches and door handles as normal.

Using a disturbed area

Before tidying or moving anything, take photos of the disturbance.

If items need to be moved, wear gloves, if possible, particularly when handling smooth surfaces such as:

• plastic
• metal
• glass
• treated or varnished wood

Move these items to a safe area where they can still be examined if required.

Once photos have been taken and any important items preserved, the room can be used as normal.

Areas of the home that have not been disturbed

Undisturbed areas can continue to be used as normal.

Securing your home

If a door or window has been used to gain entry, leave it untouched if possible.

If it must be secured before crime scene investigators attend:

• wear gloves if available
• touch the area as little as possible
• close doors or windows only if necessary to make the property safe and secure

If a door or window has been damaged and temporary repairs are needed:

1. Photograph the damage before any work begins.
2. Leave broken glass and other damage in place where it is safe to do so.
3. Ensure anyone carrying out repairs wears gloves and avoids touching the inside of frames.
4. Secure doors and windows from the outside wherever possible.

These simple steps can help preserve valuable forensic evidence and support the investigation.

Digital forensic opportunities

Any CCTV system, doorbell camera, other video or audio recordings are valuable evidence. Do not switch off any devices or change any settings.

If possible, download footage to include five minutes before and after the incident and keep it safe. Do not delete it from the original device as it may be needed later.

If you are unable to download the footage, leave the device on, and record the time and date shown on the display. When you report the crime, explain that you have digital evidence and we will help you retrieve it.