TAGGING more people, even before they are convicted, could help cut crime according to Dorset’s police and crime commissioner.

Martyn Underhill says he would like to use the devices before court conviction, in certain cases, but is prevented in doing so by the government.

He said using the tracking devices has proven to be highly effective for a number of offences – especially domestic violence, harassment and stalking.

“We are seeing some tremendous results here in Dorset, but I believe we could do even better,” he told the county’s police and crime panel last week. The commissioner told councillors he had just bought six additional tags for use in the county.