Changes to the eligibility criteria for the electronic monitoring (EM) acquisitive crime project have come into place today (Wednesday 26 October), expanding compulsory GPS tagging of people on probation convicted of specific acquisitive crimes.

What has changed?

The expansion of the project will now see the eligibility criteria increased to those who are serving standard determinate sentences of 90 days and over – previously only those serving 12 months or over were eligible – who are released or re-released to reside within one of the 19 in-scope police force areas: Avon & Somerset, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Humberside, West Midlands, Bedfordshire, City of London, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Metropolitan, North Wales, Nottinghamshire and Sussex.

What do I need to do now?

It is important that relevant staff within the 19 in-scope police force areas are clear on this change as the acquisitive crime EM conditions are defined in legislation and it is compulsory for all eligible people on probation.

Staff should familiarise themselves with the operational guidance, which can be found on EQuiP.

One year on

29 September 2022 marked one year since the phase two roll-out of acquisitive crime tagging to an additional 13 police force areas. There are many cases where the tags are helping to support people on probation with their rehabilitation into society.

Case study – how an acquisitive crime tag has helped to prevent reoffending

• 49-year-old man.
• Sentenced to 876 days for dwelling burglary.
• Long history of burglary and acquisitive crime, dating back to 1996; with a pattern of being in and out of prison.
• History of homelessness.

The probation practitioner was able to secure this man emergency accommodation as the local housing department is very accommodating with people on probation who are on electronic monitoring tag licence conditions.

Prior to release, the probation practitioner explained the benefits of the acquisitive crime tag to the man, which he welcomed. He said he understood that there is no point in offending as he will be caught straight away, evidencing the deterrent factor of the tag.

The probation practitioner in the case said: “He has been in the community since the beginning of 2022 with no new reoffending and no problems at his accommodation. He has stated that without the acquisitive crime tag, he would have definitely reoffended and returned to prison by now.

“He hopes that when his tag is removed in early 2023, that he will have broken his habit of stealing and offending.”

Case study – how an acquisitive crime tag has helped to positively impact a person on probation, his family and the community

• 22-year-old man.
• Sentenced to 46 months for robbery.
• Background of very limited parenting with his mother sending him and his brother to steal clothes and food for their family.
• When he was 15, his mother lost their tenancy and the family were evicted; meanwhile his father was in custody and his grandmother was homeless.
• No positive role model in his life.

The day before this man was due to be released, housing stated there were no vacancies. His probation practitioner immediately contacted housing stressing the benefits of the acquisitive crime tag and within two hours they managed to find him a one-bedroom flat. If it wasn’t for the tag, he would have been homeless.

With housing in place, he went straight into employment. He has recently moved in with his partner and two young children – something that he was working towards with his probation practitioner.

There are no concerns regarding substances, with all random drug tests returning negative results. He was concerned about attending drug and alcohol services as he wanted to distance himself from previous peers however after discussion with probation, he has completed prevention and harm reduction sessions.

The probation practitioner in this case said: “He is really enjoying life again, whilst making wise decisions and keeping in touch with me.”