I got home from work today to find someone had knocked our wall down - I have a fair idea who's responsible.
I've reported it to the police, and got a crime number (filed under criminal damage) - but what sort of evidence would they need to bring a prosecution?
2006-09-25 10:08:56 · 34 answers · asked by Sarah Pussycat 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Don't you watch CSI
It can be the smallest thing that catches someone, but with something like a wall being knocked down you won't get full investigaions done so you will need a wtiness
2006-09-25 10:11:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
If theres insufficient evidence ie, no CCTV, No independant witnesses or they don't hand themselves in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will not run a case if there is any reasonable doubt that the person arrested is not guilty. What CPS are looking for is HARD EVIDENCE (PROOF). You probably don't want to hear this but thats the way it is most of the time. Although a Police Officer MAY arrest if he has reasonable grounds to suspect a person is guilty of an offence.
Some people call the CPS the Criminal Protection Service. You may get the same idea.
Hope it works out.
2006-09-26 08:30:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If all the police have given you is a crime number then I'm afraid it sounds as though the matter, from thier point of view, is closed.
If you have any suspicions about who has done this you should telephone the police, quoting the crime number and ask to speak to someone. Depending on the amount of evidence you have, if any, will determine their resposne.
If I was you, I would try and construct a case of harrassment against the person that has done this, as by the sounds of it you and this person have been in disagreement in the past which is why you believe you have the answer as to who has damaged your wall.
Good luck, without any CCTV or witness evidence I do think that this episode is best left as water under the bridge.
2006-09-25 13:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by patrickdoncaster 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sickening as it is to find criminal damage has been perpetrated on your property, you do state that you have a 'fair idea' who did the deed...A fair idea wouldn't stand up in court...its like the police banging on your door to arrest you because someone told them that they had a fair idea you had committed an offence.
Unless you have solid proof that the individual(s) did commit the offence you wouldn't stand the chance of a prosecution, and to be very honest and working in prosecution...the sentences for criminal damage are quite simply crap!...and usually leave victims very frustrated and upset.
I would suggest you install CCTV at your home (its not too expensive these days) make sure you record all activity...that way...your fair idea will become solid proof!
Good Luck
2006-09-26 08:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by lippz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They gave you a number to you have it to file for your insurance to pay for the damage.
They filed this away within 3 hours of takng the report and will not even investigate it any futher ( esp if this is a larger city)
without a witness or some evidence such as a security camera film they will not even both looking into it any futher.
2006-09-25 23:02:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sarah don't even try pet if they do prosecute which i doubt it leaves the door open for harassment and all sorts of things law and order in England is crap criminals they have more rights than you the criminal is protected to the hilt my dear yes you are angry i don't blame you but you can't win believe me i know i work with these scum bags its not worth the risk only thing i can say is next time you vote think who you vote for Dave
2006-09-25 20:10:38 · answer #6 · answered by Psycho Dave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very unlikely I'm afraid. As mentioned above, either a confession, a witness (or more than one if possible), and/or CCTV evidence. Having an idea who it was is enough to get the Police to visit them, but it's very unlikely without hard evidence that anything will happen to them.
2006-09-26 21:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by ragill_s1849 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will need an eye witness to identify the culprits committing the damage. This eye witness would have to identify the offenders by name (because they know them) and/or through an identity parade.
OR.... the culprits will have to have been caught on CCTV camera committing the damage. And this CCTV will have to be clear enough to identify the offenders.
Rumour and hearsay as to who may have done it is not enough evidence to arrest, never mind prosecute.
2006-09-25 12:20:02 · answer #8 · answered by PEP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think eye witnesses, perhaps paint scapings from the wall would identify the car if not the driver. Other than that I can't think of anything else that would help.
Look for damage to the person's car and take pictures and get samples of your wall off the car (professional or videotaped).
2006-09-25 10:13:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eye witness, CCTV! Forensic evidence. Suspicion is not enough. To be fair, it COULD have been anyone regardless of your "fair idea".
Speak to your neighbours and ascertain if they saw anything. If so, ask if they would be prepared to give a statement to police and identify offenders if necessary. Pass their details to the police.
Good luck.
2006-09-27 04:57:32 · answer #10 · answered by Sally J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋