GPS trackers to be fitted to burglars, thieves and robbers after jail
The GPS will track their movements in an effort to cut down on reoffending
Last updated 24th May 2022
Burglars, thieves and robbers who have been released from jail will be tracked using GPS tags in attempt to reduce the rates of reoffending.
Described as a "world first", the pilot project launched by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will see the criminals monitored 24 hours a day for up to a year.
The trial aims to tackle the numbers of reoffending after the MoJ found that more than 50% of people convicted of theft and burglary offend again within a year.
Meanwhile, no suspect is identified in almost 80% of cases.
How will tracking criminals help?
It is hoped that the trackers will encourage convicted criminals not to reoffend, while also offering police an "extra source of intelligence" to identify suspects in burglary crimes.
Crime and policing minister 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.”
The measures, which will be imposed by new laws expected to be introduced, will apply to burglars, robbers and thieves who have served a year or more in prison.
How will it work?
Using the information from the tracking devices, prison staff can check the location history of offenders against the crime details provided by police.
Individuals can then be eliminated as suspects or further investigated if required.
Six police force areas in England will run the trial - Avon and Somerset, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Humberside and West Midlands - which will see around 250 offenders tagged in the initial six months.
From September 13 more areas will join the trial.