𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Criminals released under Labour’s soft justice programme have already gone on to commit robbery, domestic violence and drug offences, the Daily Express can reveal. Police officers in London revealed a career criminal and convicted sex offender went on a shoplifting rampage within hours of getting out of prison.

And Greater Manchester Police told the Daily Express it has already arrested eight men who were released last Thursday. Three were arrested for breaching licence conditions, while others were detained for robbery, drug offences and domestic violence. Many criminals are being let out after completing just a third of their jail terms in a bid to prevent prison overcrowding.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: “In Greater Manchester, we’ve been working closely with partners to ensure that the most robust plans are in place to ensure offenders are adhering to their conditions. Any breaches will be – and are being – enforced by GMP.

“As with any offending in Greater Manchester, where there is a report of a crime, we will respond promptly to take positive action to protect victims and pursue criminals. This work continues by our hard-working officers and staff who are playing a vital role in keeping the public safe.”

Frontline officers fear that criminals being let out after serving as little as 33% of their sentence behind bars will trigger a crime wave that will get worse as the scheme gathers pace in the coming months.

This is a breaking story.