How evidence seizure times affect Swedish citizens’ willingness to report crimes

Abstract: Digital device usage has changed the ways in which crime is committed and investigated. In almost all criminal cases, the police seize mobile devices in search for digital evidence. As the use of mobile phones has become ubiquitous, victims of crime are suggested to be less likely to report crimes to the police when having to turn in their phones as evidence. However, there are still uncertainties as to why. This study aimed to provide insight into the factors influencing the willingness to report crimes when digital evidence in form of a mobile phone has to be handed in by the victim. More specifically, if the time the phone is seized will affect the willingness of Swedish adults to report crimes. Using a quantitative approach, this study sent out a questionnaire asking 500 Swedish adults how likely they are to report various crimes in relation to the time their mobile phone would be in seizure. The results show a significant decrease in willingness as the seizure time increases. Already after two days, some crimes are likely to not be reported. There were also crimes severe enough to still be reported even if the phone was seized for two months indicating a vast difference between various crimes. Crimes likely to be reported were those that seem to have a higher monetary consequence to the victim, whereas crimes less likely to be reported were those of less monetary consequence and receiving nude photos via social media. The fact that the forensic procedure and its challenges has an impact on the willingness to report crimes is detrimental, not only to the victim, but also for the society as a whole.