BBC NEWS | UK | England | Pilot scheme to cut drugs crime

A scheme to prevent drug offenders returning to a life of crime once they leave jail is to be piloted in Bristol.

The programme, called Prospects, will see persistent offenders who want to stop taking drugs housed in hostels for three months after leaving jail.

It is aimed at breaking the cycle of crime caused by addicts trying to fuel their habits.

Announcing the scheme today, Home Office Minister Hilary Benn said it would cut offending and make communities safer.

Home Office Minister Hilary Benn
There are considerable potential benefits for local communities - together, we can break the cycle of drug related crime

Home Office Minister Hilary Benn

The scheme will be available to offenders who:

Are sentenced to less than 12 months

Are persistent offenders, but who do not have a history of serious offences

Have a history of drug misuse

Have tested negative for drug use in prison and who demonstrate a real motivation to be drug free

May have housing problems

Have a connection to the local community

The project will identify and assess suitable participants while they are in prison.

When they are released, they will stay at one of the hostels for 12 weeks, undergoing a strict but supportive regime.

At the end of the three months they will be given somewhere to live for another six months and will continue to benefit from a specialist support network.

Crucial support

Mr Benn said: "We want to break the cycle that people who have drug problems get into - stealing in order to fund their drug habits.

"This will meet their need for support at the crucial moment when then leave the prison gates."

He added: "Prisons do a good job of getting people off drugs and providing treatment, but there is a gap in provision when people come out of prison.

"This project has considerable potential benefits for local communities - together, we can break the cycle of drug related crime."


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