Thousands of thieves face automatic electronic tagging for up to a year after release

Thousands of thieves face automatic tagging upon release from prison to reduce recidivism.

Attorney General Brandon Lewis Extending electronic tagging schemes to cover thousands of robbers, robbers and thieves who provide short sentences.

All persons imprisoned for more than three months are required to wear a tag for up to one year after being released from prison.

Currently, this measure applies only to those who have been imprisoned for more than one year. In an interview with the Daily Mail, the Attorney General said it was a personal priority to “ensure victims can trust the system.”

“One thing we can do is be a little tougher on criminals,” Lewis said.

“We know the recidivism rate is high, especially for people who are not actively employed. became.

“If it happens again, we can check if anyone was near the crime.

“This is not a replacement for prison. This is on top of it. We are tougher on people who commit crimes, but those who rob and steal are a scourge of their communities.”

Expanded tagging has been trialled in 19 police districts and has been credited with reducing recidivism by 45%. The Justice Department said the move was initially expected to tag 2,000 more criminals a year, but Lewis said he hoped “more” criminals would eventually be monitored. said he was.

Theft and robbery have the highest recidivism rates, according to one source, with 45% of those convicted committing another crime within a year, compared to an average of 21% for other crimes. .

Electronic tags are usually worn on the ankle and GPS satellites can monitor the location of criminals 24 hours a day.

Lewis said the tagging was “a huge deterrent” for people who might otherwise be more prone to committing crimes. , we’re going to find out about it,” he said.

“If GPS shows you were there, there’s no argument, no alibi. You’re claiming your rights.”

Ministers are under pressure to prioritize robbery, and the rate of crimes leading to prosecution has dropped to just 5%.

Lewis acknowledged the need for more action, and Interior Secretary Suera Braverman said the police were “very focused” on making robberies a higher priority.

And if the police are sure to deal with “core issues” such as robberies and thefts, the military will be less likely to be criticized for controversial acts such as dancing at a gay pride event. suggested it would.

“This is something the Home Secretary is very focused on,” he said. “She wants to ensure the public’s trust that the police are focusing on crimes that affect communities.

“Over the past few months, the public has commented on what the police are doing regarding several things about the parade. if you are dealing with it.

He added: “People need to know that the police’s first primary purpose and focus is to deal with crime and play its role in keeping people’s communities safe. For example.