Digital forensic vans deployed by Cambridgeshire police to use as mobile labs at crime scenes

Cambridgeshire police’s new digital forensic vans are now able to analyse mobile phones belonging to victims at crime scenes.

The force now has two unmarked ‘digi vans’ equipped with digital forensic technology which make them a mobile lab and reduces the number of devices being taken into police custody.

The force has implemented new processes which aim to return devices to adult victims of rape within 24 hours.

Det Chief Insp Denise Harper said: “These new processes are very beneficial to victims of rape because it means they do not have to go to a police station, the phone work can be done there and then, and they do not have to leave their own home – we go to them.”

“We want to minimise the trauma experienced by survivors as much as possible by returning devices quickly. These improved digital capabilities will mean digital evidence will be more readily available, ensuring offenders are brought to justice swiftly.

“This is a great example of departments working together, transforming processes and feeding in to the wider VAWG (violence against women and girls) strategy.”

The vans – partially funded by the Home Office – include state-of-the-art technology that enables targeted and specific searches, to limit intrusion.

The force’s specially-trained digital media investigators can identify devices that contain evidence of offending.

Det Chief Insp Harper said: “This process is especially useful when dealing with paedophiles who operate online. Early identification of evidence has meant more early anticipated guilty pleas, enabling swift justice for victims and saving valuable time and money.”

The vans were featured in an episode of BBC’s Crimewatch Live on March 14.

Also featured was an interview with Det Con Dan Harper, who investigated a Cambridge case of a tenant who tried to sell the house he rented without his landlord’s knowledge.

Andrew Smith, 41, was only caught out in his “truly brazen crime” when a prospective buyer conducted a drain survey at the property. He was jailed for more than two years in November.

To watch the Crimewatch Live episode, featuring a tour of one of the digital vans and more on the fraud case, visit the BBC iPlayer website.