Officers and staff trained to track burglary suspects using digital clues

We're introducing new training that focuses on opportunities for investigating residential burglaries. It builds on our recent guidance on how to conduct investigations, as well as guidance we'll be publishing on residential burglaries. It has been developed from an assessment of digital burglary practices across all forces in England and Wales, and is designed for officers, staff, volunteers and call centre operatives, to ensure action can be taken at the earliest opportunity.

Criminals often leave behind a digital trace at crime scenes. Digital devices may also leave a trail of evidence as wireless connections are made with masts and routers. This training demonstrates how to use digital footprints to bring burglars to justice. It also includes advice on how to prevent residential burglary offences.

The course can be accessed on College Learn (you will need to log in). Officers and staff will learn how to:

• recognise the importance of providing appropriate digital advice from the first point of contact with the police call handlers, and how this can support the investigative effort by securing digital evidence

• understand the importance of pursuing and protecting investigative digital opportunities at the earliest opportunity, before the suspects have an opportunity to tamper with the evidence remotely

• deliver good victim care, and provide advice around digital vulnerabilities such as password protection and how information is shared online

• provide crime prevention advice such as how digital technology such as phone apps can be used to deter criminals 

As the digital landscape changes and advances, so do criminals’ tactics and techniques. It’s so important that our police force stays up to date with new learning which reflects the evolving challenges of modern policing and new opportunities to combat crime. 

Burglary is an incredibly invasive crime that can leave victims feeling unsafe in their own homes. Teaching officers and staff about how burglars can operate in the digital landscape gives us more opportunities to spot clues and track suspects so we can catch criminals and keep the public safe.

David Tucker, Faculty Lead, Crime and Criminal Justice

Find the course on College Learn