Tough new measures - including hi-tech surveillance and tagging - are to be launched as part of a clampdown on persistent young offenders.

The teenage tearaways face "Big Brother" after Southend's youth offending team was given special powers from the Youth Justice Board.

Under the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme, young offenders will be tagged or monitored by other hi-tech systems, backed by a comprehensive programme of education, training and counselling.

Sir Teddy Taylor, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: "A huge amount of crime in Southend is committed by a very small group of people.

"If we can advise the perpetual offenders who cause chaos for the residents in the area they are under constant supervision it could do a power of good."

Chief Insp Tony Payne, in charge of operations at Southend police, said: "Tagging and intensive supervision are methods of applying artificial constraints to movement of offenders and as such are welcomed by the police."

Verina Weaver, Southend's executive councillor for social care, said: "I would give this new initiative a cautious welcome.

"It depends very much on how we receive the funding from the Government.

"They tend to be very good in launching initiatives but then you find the money is not available to carry them out properly. Our youth offending team is one of the best in the country."

The programme covers three-quarters of England and Wales - a total of 50 schemes covering 119 youth offending teams.

The Home Office has now handed the Youth Justice Board extra cash to allow the 36 remaining youth offending teams, of which Southend is one, to launch the scheme.

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

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