Phone siezed by police

[Samcj02]

Hello,

if a phone has been seized by the police to gather evidence of a crime how long does it usually take?

For context the phone is to gather evidence from a victim/witness and has not participated in any crime.

It can take months and months. There was some kick back about this recently with regards to victims phones and the timescales involved but I dont think it went anywhere. It could also come back completely wiped when you eventually do get it back.

Months and months

Thanks for the replies! It’s my daughter’s phone! And it was to do with something committed in school, (indecent images sent to her phone from a supposed friend, also other crimes commited I believe, beforehand and nothing to do with DD) they say the phone will be back asap so we will see! I’ll have to get her a temporary one sorted!

Just to add to previous replies, yes, you will be talking months as a minimum. In all likelihood, it won't be before this goes to trial. They could hold on to it for way more than a year.

My nieces phone was taken in June (victim of online grooming). Still haven't got it back. Worse than that the case is still with the CPS over a year after first being reported!!

Thanks everyone. I don’t believe they’ve even
spoken to the perpetrator yet.. so guess it’ll be a long while!

Personally I would give it up as lost.

By the time it's returned (and that's assuming it still works) then you will have had to replace it and got used to the new one.

I never got mine back to be honest.
Taken 14 years ago (online grooming) convicted 11 years ago)
Only got my laptop back 2 years ago.

Thanks everyone, very frustrating she’s had hers taken away and the perpetrator still has his phone!