Burglary advice : Scene preservation

• do not touch the window
• if the window must be shut for overnight security – use the window handle only
• if glass has been smashed - do not sweep it up (if you have young children isolate the room if possible)
• do not move or clean window seal area before it has been examined
• if you see any visible footwear marks on the floor, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if a window has to be boarded up, ask any boarding up companies to board outside the frame to protect the window, wearing gloves during the repair and keep any damaged pieces that they replace as the attending CSI can examine these for evidence
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from

• try not to handle the door if possible
• if the door needs to be secured overnight – close by holding the handle or lock only
• if glass has been smashed leave in situ if possible
• if you see any visible footwear marks on the floor, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from

As this is a walk in theft, forensic opportunities are limited.

• if the offender has walked over lino or a tiled floor with wet shoes footwear marks may be evident, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from

• do not touch the window
• if the window must be shut for overnight security – use the window handle only
• if glass has been smashed - do not sweep it up (if you have young children – isolate the room if possible)
• do not move or clean the window seal before an area has been examined
• leave removed panels in situ. If raining, place under cover before crime scene investigator attends
• hold on edges only
• if you see any visible footwear marks on the floor, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if a window has to be boarded up, ask any boarding up companies to board outside the frame to protect the window, wearing gloves during the repair and keep any damaged pieces that they replace as the attending CSI can examine these for evidence
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from

• avoid cleaning up to preserve as much evidence as possible
• if you see any visible footwear marks on the floor, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from

• a crime scene investigator will examine all feasible entry points when they arrive
• avoid touching or moving anything
• if you see any visible footwear marks on the floor, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from

• leave items such as jewellery boxes, ornaments, DVD machines, three-pin plugs etc.
• do not step on, or pick up paper items dropped on the floor (shoe marks)
• you can touch/use light switches, door handles etc.
• if items have been left on a bed – remove top cover with items on it and put to one side (if crime scene investigator is not able to attend until the following day)
• if you see any visible footwear marks on the floor, please avoid walking in these areas
• if there are items that have been pulled out of cupboards or drawers, please do not touch these items and leave them in situ
• if there are any items left outside that have been touched or moved by the offenders and they are getting wet from rain or dew, please carefully move them inside to dry, wearing gloves and again inform the attending CSI what you have moved and where from