Police Say GDPR Not Reason for Holding Crime Victim’s Stolen Phone

Police in North Wales addressed a recent issue. They stated they won’t keep stolen items, regardless of a suspect’s “GDPR rights.” A judge criticized the force last week because a burglary victim hadn’t gotten his phone back.

Daniel Reid stole Melvyn Mainwaring’s Samsung phone last May. Reid, 33, lived on Bodfor Street, Rhyl, and admitted to burglary at Mr. Mainwaring’s home. He took a Samsung phone, bank cards, and a bus pass, and received a sentence of over three years.

Judge Nicola Jones demanded the phone’s return during sentencing at the court in Caernarfon. She asked if GDPR caused issues. The prosecutor didn’t truly know, and seemed unsurprised by the issue.

The police responded after the hearing, clarifying their policy regarding victim property. They stated that a suspect’s GDPR rights won’t cause retention of stolen items.

Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison commented on the case. Police keep evidence until the trial ends, as they might need it in court. North Wales Police spoke with the victim, and they sought compensation for data loss because the criminal accessed the phone.

Harrison praised the investigation team’s work, and also acknowledged the judge’s strong sentence in this case.