Criminals around north Essex could be named and shamed on posters

Essex's police force is launching the crime-fighting idea in Brentwood and it is believed to be the first of its kind in Britain.

Officers plan to put up photos in places such as garages and railway stations of people convicted of burglaries, car crimes and drugs offences.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "As with all innovative schemes that we pilot in the county, if it's successful then subject to a review and chief officer approval then it could be rolled out across Essex."

The scheme is a partnership between Essex Police, British Transport Police, Great Eastern Railways and Little Chef.

The posters, which will be up for about three weeks, will show a photo of the person, their name and age, their crime and the length of the sentence.

Only criminals jailed for a year or more will be considered, so only repeat offenders or those committing more serious crimes will be named and shamed.

The offender and their legal representative will be warned that his or her details are to be used and they then have seven days to register a legal objection.

Sgt Piers Quinnell, who devised the scheme, said: "Experience has taught us that criminals can lose their bravado if faced with the prospect of being identified to their friends and neighbours as convicted offenders.

Published Friday November 8, 2002

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