London to try "drunk tags" to curb street crime

Binge drinking Londoners accused of minor street crimes will have to wear US-style electronic tags that will monitor their alcohol consumption under a new 12-month trial scheme launched today.
Up to 150 such drunks with history of street crime will participate in the trial, where they will be expected to abstain from alcohol for up to four months.
The so-called "sobriety tag" scheme was formally launched by mayor Boris Johnson, who visited the magistrates court in Croydon, an area where the technology will be tested, along with Lambeth, Southwark and Sutton.
"Alcohol-fuelled criminal behaviour is a real scourge on our high streets, deterring law-abiding citizens from enjoying our great city, especially at night, placing massive strain on frontline services, whilst costing businesses and the taxpayer billions of pounds," he said.

"This is an approach that has seen impressive results in the US, steering binge drinkers away from repeated criminal behaviour, and I am pleased we can now launch a pilot scheme in London," he added.
The tags, presently used in US states such as South Dakota, test the wearer's sweat every half hour for traces of alcohol.

After someone has a tag fitted, he will be required to be at home at certain times of the day, usually twice, so the base-station can read alcohol measurements from the tag.
If no readings are received for 48 hours, this would be considered as the breach of the order.

Offenders will be given a range of guidelines, including being careful not to spray perfumes containing alcohol on the tag or to immerse it in water - baths and swimming are prohibited during the monitoring period with only showers allowed.
Probation officers will screen possible participants, and the trial explicitly excludes anyone dependant on alcohol, who needs treatment and for whom a sudden, 120-day abstinence period would be unrealistic.
Those on the programme will also be offered advice and treatment over their alcohol use.
The charity Alcohol Concern welcomed the scheme but said it must be used in conjunction with effective treatment and other measures.

The group's chief executive, Jackie Ballard, said: "About half of all crime is alcohol-related. So, it makes sense to get to the heart of the problem by tackling drinking amongst offenders."
The plan to introduce electronic bracelets came earlier this year, following a report published by the Home Office showing that around 1 million crimes recorded in England and the Wales were linked to alcohol.