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Investigations of taking devices that exist in some mobile devices

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WQ.443/2023

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 13th NOVEMBER 2023

Question

“Will the Minister advise whether mobile phone inbuilt tracking software (such as Find My iPhone) is used by the police in investigations of theft in Jersey; and will she further advise whether data obtained from victims of crime is used to assist in the recovery of stolen goods?”

Answer

All recorded thefts of mobile phones are investigated by the police and inbuilt tracking software, when available, is used with a view of facilitating the recovery of the stolen property and also to assist in any subsequent criminal investigation, should one be instigated depending on the facts.

Of note that not all mobile phone devices will have a ‘tracking’ facility, such as Apple ‘Find my Phone’, enabled. This will depend on the settings set up by the user, enabling or not this facility, and the capabilities of the mobile phone device. Also, access to the data provided by this facility will be dependent on the complainant providing it to the officer dealing with the recorded theft as the Police do not have access to user accounts without their consent.

In this respect the data obtained from the victim could prove crucial in assisting in the recovery of the mobile phone. In a broader sense any data obtained from a victim of crime could be useful in the identification and recovery of stolen goods, especially in the absence of ‘tracking’ data. In the case of mobile phones, as an example, should a victim be able to provide details such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number(s), description of mobile phone or details of SIM card/telephone number these can also prove crucial in the identification and recovery of stolen goods.