Police cases collapsing due to missing, lost or damaged evidence

MORE than 150 Cleveland Police cases have collapsed because of lost, damaged or missing evidence including a murder case.

- By JADE MCELWEE

New data shows that a total of 180 investigations have ceased in our area over the last two years. That works out as 1.4% - equivalent to one in every 70 - of all cases handed to the CPS between October 2022 and September 2024.

One of those cases was a murder, while another two were sexual offences. Cleveland has fared better than the national average, where 2% of cases collapsed due to lost or missing evidence in that time.

Detective Chief Superintendent Anne-Marie Salwey, Head of Specialist Crime and Justice, said: “Cleveland Police is determined to bring all offenders to justice and provide victims with the best possible service. The rate of our collapsed cases is almost one per cent below the national average, which shows our tenacity and professionalism in tackling those causing the most harm in our communities.

“Whilst we always strive to achieve the best outcomes possible, investigations can be challenging for a number of complex reasons. The discontinuation of cases can occur for a variety of reasons including digital evidence, such as CCTV footage, no longer being available or witnesses not wanting to engage with police by providing statements.