Bright idea means offenders give back

Jun 13 2009 by Sophie Doughty, The Journal

DRESSED in bright orange jackets, criminals have been seen giving something back to their communities.

In an effort to prove to the public that police and the Government take crime and punishment seriously, Government Crime and Justice Advisor Louise Casey was in Sunderland yesterday to see how offenders can give something back and be punished at the same time.

Community Payback was introduced last December as a way of making sure people can see justice being done.

It involves giving convicted criminals a tough job to do, but one that has a positive impact on the area.

And while carrying out this hard graft, the offenders are forced to wear florescent orange jackets.

Ms Casey saw offenders landscape an area of derelict land by Southwick Community Primary School removing litter, strimming grass and planting trees.

She said she hoped seeing criminals doing good for the public would encourage people to report crime.

“Community Payback makes sure criminals pay for crimes and that the law abiding majority benefit,” she said.

“The project I visited today shows how offenders can transform waste ground such as this into an area that whole community can make use of and enjoy.”