I sincerely hope you will not be a victim of crime, and I offer you my sympathies if this misfortune should ever befall you. However, in the event that this should happen to you, I offer the following advice, which I have been asked to pass on by Rushcliffe Community Watch.

There have recently been instances where victims of crimes have inadvertently cleaned up the mess prior to the arrival of Scenes of Crime Officers.  This has effectively destroyed the crime scene totally and thereby reduced significantly the chances of the offender(s) being arrested.

Please read the advice offered by the Scenes of Crime Department and ensure that you comply, if you are unfortunate enough to become a victim.  Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

CRIME SCENE PRESERVATION

A crime scene not disturbed in any way from the moment the offenders leave, will give forensic teams the best chance of recovering evidence to link the offender(s) to the scene and potentially identify them.

If the area is walked over, shoe marks can be destroyed.

If items are touched, fingerprints can be destroyed and potential sources of DNA can be contaminated.

LEAVE IT ALONE

Secure the scene - set up a cordon - do not let people enter the scene - unless to preserve life.

Lock the door, put up a barrier tape, have someone stand at the entrance to prevent persons entering.

Do not walk around the areas affected and do not move anything.

If you decide that you cannot close the area down, forensic investigations and the chance of catching the offender(s) will be compromised.