Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the use by police forces of social media content posted by suspected offenders as evidence in the investigation of (a) vehicle theft, (b) dangerous driving and (c) other criminal offences.

Police forces have statutory powers, supported by guidance, to obtain and preserve data, including social media content. These include the online information powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 once commenced, powers under the Investigatory Powers Act 2026, and other mechanisms such as bilaterial agreements and mutual legal assistance.