Petty crooks 'should just say sorry'

Plans to let persistent petty criminals escape prosecution by writing letters of apology are today branded an "outrage" by victims' groups.

The scheme, which will allow vandals, yobs and petty thieves to be cautioned by police if they agree to say sorry to their victims, is revealed today by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Tens of thousands of offenders would avoid a criminal record under the scheme, which will start by the end of next year. It will cover vandalism, theft from cars, breach of the peace and common assault and could be extended to include robbery, burglary and violent attacks.

Norman Brennan, director of the Victims of Crime Trust, said: "It is an outrage that victims' needs will be ignored while criminals will play the system to avoid punishment."

Today the Home Secretary claimed the proposals would help cut crime and reduce reoffending.