Can police confiscate a mobile phone

[countrykid]

A friend was arrested by police. He'd got very drunk, and had stupidly attempted to break into somewhere. Without going into details, it was basically a cry for help. He wanted to get caught. He was taken to a police station and then bailed and taken home. Whilst at his lodgings, his room was searched (presumably for any stolen goods but there were none as he'd been clean for 2 years). However, they did take away his pay and go mobile phone that his Mum bought so she could keep in touch with him. Can the police simply take something which is not related to the crime?

[ann_h]

You can't say it wasn't related.
They can take anything they have any reason to believe may help with their enquiries. eg - they will want to take the phone to establish your friend's contacts and any phone calls made/received with reference to the possible disposal of stolen goods.

[ASSAM]

Yes, first thing they will do is check the imei number then check who he has phoned and who has called im.

[countrykid]

My thanks to you both - anne_h & ASSAM. Now you have explained that, it is pretty obvious, but I never gave that a thought. Kind regards

[ann_h]

You're welcome :)