Suella Braverman urges cops to probe tracking data from stolen phones and bikes
POLICE will have to probe tracking data from stolen phones, bikes and cars — amid claims they are ignoring evidence.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman will make forces look into all “reasonable” lines of inquiry, no matter what the crime.
It comes in a bid to restore confidence in police.
Ms Braverman will roll out a pilot scheme — which was trialled across Manchester — in a “back to basics” approach to drive down rates of phone, bike and car thefts plus shoplifting.
The pilot saw a 44 per cent hike in charges in the last 12 months.
If there is tangible evidence — such as CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, or stolen goods appearing on a website — the police should always try and follow up the lead.
If a stolen phone can be tracked with an app, action must be taken to try to get it back, new best practice guidance will say.
Ms Braverman said: “I’ve heard too many accounts from victims where police simply haven’t acted on helpful leads because crimes such as phone and car thefts are seen as less important — that’s unacceptable.
“It has damaged people’s confidence in policing.
“Criminals must have no place to hide.
“The police’s commitment today is a huge step forward towards delivering the victim-focused, commonsense policing the public deserve.”