In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, it’s just the two of us — and we’re sharing a case that hits much closer to home.

Angela recounts her experience of being burgled while asleep in her own home — and what followed was a forensic and investigative process that raised serious questions about triage decisions, evidence recovery, and the wider criminal justice system.

From being told no CSI would attend, to carrying out our own scene examination and uncovering footwear marks that later linked multiple burglaries, this episode explores what happens when assumptions are made too early — and when vital evidence is dismissed.

We discuss the realities of being a victim of crime after years working as investigators, the risks of phone-based crime triage, and why context, intelligence, and evidence-led decisions matter far more than tick-box processes.

As always, we go back under the barrier tape to talk honestly about where systems work, where they don’t, and why evidence should always be allowed to speak for itself.

In this episode of The Crime Scene Insiders, we’re joined by Charlotte Thorpe, a former Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Manager, and Senior CSI, who spent over 20 years with Kent Police.

Charlie has worked on thousands of crime scenes, from volume crime through to serious and complex investigations, and has led teams through some of the most challenging moments of their careers. She shares what it’s really like learning the role from the ground up, being thrown in at the deep end, and building confidence through experience — not textbooks.

We discuss early career mistakes, major scenes, the realities of forensic work behind the scenes, and how the job impacts you over time. Charlie also reflects on leadership, mentoring new CSIs, and the importance of looking after yourself and your team — something she continues to do today in her current role as a trainer.

An honest, insightful episode for anyone working in forensics, considering the career, or wanting to understand what happens underneath the barrier tape.

Merry Christmas! In this Boxing Day episode, we lift the festive tape and share what it’s really like to work as a CSI over Christmas and New Year.

From frozen crime scenes to festive chaos, hear real stories from our days in the field — the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous:

• Christmas Day shifts you can’t dodge

• The forbidden “Q word” and its consequences

• Burglaries, assaults and alcohol-fuelled incidents

• Technical winter nightmares: batteries dying, blood in snow, and footwear marks

• Stuck vans, burnt clutches, and blizzards

• The emotional impact of festive crimes

• Camaraderie, office decorations, microwave party food & keeping spirits high

Funny, honest and eye-opening — a look at the human side of forensic work when everyone else is celebrating.