Hertfordshire will begin to GPS monitor recently released prisoners in order to prevent them from reoffending.

Robbers, burglars and thieves who were sentenced to at least 12 months in custody will be GPS tagged on release from prison in Hertfordshire.

The scheme will be enforced in the Autumn and will be used to study the effect of GPS tagging and preventing reoffences.

Using GPS taggers on released offenders has been a tactic already trialled with other police forces, and its expansion to Hertfordshire is part of the Government’s recently released ‘Beating Crime Plan’.

Meanwhile since July, the Government has begun to offer offenders in the East of England, and certain other regions, temporary accommodation once released.

It is believed that prison leavers without a stable home are around 50 per cent more likely to reoffend, and by providing basic and temporary housing, offenders will have a chance to rehabilitate into society again without crime.

Over 140 councils across England have also been awarded a share of more than £13 million to help find longer-term accommodation.

Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland will also encourage leading employers in October to hire prison leavers.

The Government also plans to recruit at least 1,000 ex-offenders into the Civil Service by the end of 2023.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "This Government is making huge progress in our mission to end rough sleeping, with a 43 per cent reduction since the Prime Minister came into office and an internationally recognised approach to protecting rough sleepers during the pandemic.

“We are building on this by working across Government to tackle the underlying causes, backed by £750 million funding this year alone.

“By supporting offenders into their own accommodation and keeping them off the streets they’ll have a better chance of turning their lives around – reducing reoffending and making our communities safer.”