The device is said to employ tech similar to satellite navigation in cars, leading it to be nicknamed the ‘chav nav’
Kent’s yobs and shop thieves are being given the chance to mend their ways by volunteering to wear an ankle tag.
The device is said to employ tech similar to satellite navigation in cars, leading it to be nicknamed the ‘chav nav’, because it can be pinpointed in real time.
Kent Police has funding for 15 of the Buddi-branded tracking devices, which have been rolled out into other parts of England and Wales.
The wearers are typically under the age of 25, and the scheme is managed by the force’s Integrated Offender Management team.
The scheme is highlighted in a report by Chief Constable Tim Smith to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, which will be considered by the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel.
The tags can be used in a variety of ways, but it is hoped that offending such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour can be curbed.
Ashford county councillor Bill Barrett welcomed the idea, hoping they would be employed in his local area.
It has been found that single offenders can cause a lot of crime, so the device allows police and other agencies to monitor those at risk of repeat offending or vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
Mr Scott said: “I am pleased that Kent Police is considering all possible options for the prevention of crime and supporting rehabilitation.
“These devices have proven successful and cost-effective in reducing crime and incidents of people going missing, and Kent Police has been seen as best practice for their usage through the (Kent and Medway) Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).”
The VRU said: “The system can provide up-to-date information on the wearer’s movements and enables a comprehensive tracking and analytical review to take place.
“The VRU use of a Buddi tag is for those at risk of gang/criminal exploitation or those identified by the VRU as high-harm offenders with a wish to be supported to lower their risk of being exploited or reoffending.
“Being on a Buddi tag supports partnership working and engagement with the individual, building up better working relationships and diverting individuals away from the risks associated with crime.”
Independent Reformer Cllr Barrett said: “Pretty much every town in Kent has suffered from antisocial behaviour and shoplifting in recent years, so this is a very welcome development.
“The fact this is a volunteer scheme shows the wearer wants to break the cycle, which is an extra dimension. So, I hope that they will be employed in Ashford.”
The tags can act as a deterrent as well as be useful in domestic violence cases and managing prisoner curfews.
Antisocial behaviour rose by 9.3% year on year to September, while retail crime went up by 12.2% in the 12 months to September, according to Kent Police’s own figures.
Kent Police has not yet revealed how much funding has been awarded to the tagging scheme.
