Dry run for sobriety tags to curb repeat offenders in alcohol-linked crimes
The “sobriety tags”, which will be worn around the clock, will enforce abstinence by measuring a person’s perspiration every 30 minutes and testing to see if it contains alcohol.
If any trace is found, an alert will be sent to the offender’s probation officer and they can then be recalled to court, where they could face sanctions such as a fine or be re-sentenced.
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Hide AdThe tags register alcohol consumption but do not monitor movement or where people are.
The 12-month scheme is being trialled in four London boroughs – Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Sutton.
It is anticipated that up to 150 offenders will be fitted with the tags. They will be banned from drinking alcohol for up to 120 days, and the tag will test them to see if they flout the ban.
Offenders will be screened before being tagged, and the scheme will not be used on people who are alcohol-dependent and require specialist support.
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Hide AdThe scheme, being introduced by London Mayor Boris Johnson, builds on a similar scheme in the US and aims to reduce alcohol-related reoffending, ease pressure on the police and courts, and make streets safer.
Alcohol-related crime is estimated to cost the UK between £8bn and £13bn every year, while 40 per cent of all accident and emergency attendances are related to alcohol misuse.
Mr Johnson said: “Alcohol-fuelled criminal behaviour is a real scourge on our high streets, deterring law-abiding citizens from enjoying our great city, especially at night.”