Are the police responsible , for your property?

Question

My cousin , returned home after a night out to find her front door had been broken in . The police followed her in and arrested her , It turns out the girl who lived at the address before her , was using stolen credit cards to by stuff and was using the address to deliver to .
 During the time my cousin was in the police station , someone went into her flat and stole her stuff , the police had not secured the front door , so it had just been left . 
  Is there a complaints procedure . does anyone know how to go about it , she can not afford a solicitor as she is on a very low income.
   There were no charges bought against her , as the Police got the girl who previously lived there , and she put her hands up to fraud .

? · Accepted Answer

The police were making a lawful arrest so, without knowing the full circumstances, I think you'll might struggle to lay the blame on them.  However, it's certainly worth making a complaint.  Ring your local police non-emergency number or attend the front counter at the police station and ask to speak to the duty officer.

jeeves · Answer

First and foremost, go to the police station and report a burglary that has occurred at your cousins address, if items have been stolen from within the house then get this made OFFICIAL, the police HAVE to investigate this and provide you with a crime number. With the crime number contact your home insurance co, if you have any and explain the circumstances, ask if they can make a claim against the police as they have left the property unsecured.

Second point of call is to go to the police station and speak to the inspector on duty to make a complaint, you may have to wait a loooong time but thats normal, persevere!!  Make the complaint to him, ask him to document it and ask what they is going to do about it. 

If this fails and you not happy go and see a criminal solicitor, first 30/60 mins should be free, explain the situation and they will complete a threshold test to see if you are entitled to legal aid.

THIS IS the failure of the police to secure the property and it is THERE RESPONSIBILITY to ensure this regardless of if your cousin was guilty or not of an offence.

Anonymous · Answer

Ask the police if on case.... they are responsible. And no they won't lie to you. It's more than there jobsworth and what's in for them. If the answer is not good news go to the CAB etc. I have a feeling they have a duty to leave the premises secure.

? · Answer

Yes she can get a solicitor ASAP - she can claim legal aid if she is on low income.

Alex · Answer

Citizens Advise Bureau will tell you the best way to go forward.

Good luck

Rachel · Answer

yes , you have right complain with Police . is there fault make this happen to your Cousin

Are the police responsible , for your property?

6 Answers