News
Thieves, robbers and burglars to be tagged upon release from prisons
The Government claims the scheme will combat high reoffending rates.
The Manc -
17th March 2021 
Prisoners convicted of theft, burglary or robbery will be fitted with GPS tags upon their release as new laws are introduced in Britain.
Inmates serving sentences of one year or more will be fitted with a device when they re-enter society – which will monitor their whereabouts 24 hours a day for up to 12 months.
The Government says the tagging scheme was being introduced to combat high reoffending rates among thieves and burglars.
Over half of culprits who convict these types of offences reoffend within a year – and almost 80% of cases result in no suspect being identified.
The technology will see police work with HM Prison and Probation Service staff to investigate whether those on the tags have been in the vicinity of recent burglaries, thefts and robberies.
Minister for Crime and Policing Kit Malthouse said: “Being burgled or robbed is devastating and I understand how frustrating it is when the perpetrators can’t be caught, both for the public and the police.
“Tagging these prolific offenders so we know where they are 24 hours a day should be powerful persuasion to change their ways and will help police find and charge them if they don’t.
“It’s another tool helping probation staff to cut crime and keep the public safe.”
National Police Chief’s Council Electronic Monitoring Lead, Deputy Chief Constable Jon Stratford added: “Tagging prolific offenders provides a strong deterrent and means officers will be able to quickly arrest and gather evidence against anyone suspected of being involved in a robbery, burglary or other theft.”
According to Government sources, theft, burglary and robber place a “£4.8 billion burden” on the taxpayer every year.
The new GPS tag scheme will initially launch on April 12 in nearby region Cheshire, as well as Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Humberside and West Midlands.
The scheme will then be rolled out to a further 13 areas in September.
It is estimated 250 offenders will be tagged in the first six months.
