The report highlights the Dordrecht Prolific Offender Project in Hartlepool as an example of best practice. Based on a successful initiative developed in the Dutch city of Dordrecht, Police and the Probation Service are working together with a drugs nurse and outreach support workers to supervise particularly problematic offenders in a range of training and constructive leisure activities. Established in July 2001, the initial 84 participants had committed 1864 known offences between them, and had received an average of 6 prison sentences each. Two thirds of those who completed the Dordrecht scheme have not reoffended since.

One participant on the scheme commented 'When I used to get sent to jail they just banged you up, you do your time and come out again. But this, they really talk to you and really listen to you. I can't see myself offending. I've worn that T-shirt too long. I want to get free of this heroin lark. That's my aim.'

In support of the new publication, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Right Reverend Kevin Dunn said 'I endorse the report as a valuable contribution to the debate about criminal justice. It is a document that brings a Christian approach to punishment and in particular it makes the point that there should be a greater concern for the victims of crime and more emphasis on restorative justice which gives victims the opportunity to participate in the administration of justice and which obliges offenders to make amends to the victim and to the community. The report clearly states that there needs to be fewer people in prison, and the possibility of change is ever present. Society should never give up on any individual, for every place is a place of redemption.'

According to Helen Attewell, North East Campaigns Officer for pressure group Smart Justice, the Dordrecht Initiative is a real success. 'Crime committed by ex-prisoners is costing the tax payer £11 billion per year. When 89% of young male shop-lifters, 80% of car thieves and 87% of people who steal from cars are re-convicted within two years of leaving prison, a community-based sentence that can prove a reduction in levels of reoffending is success indeed.

'I commend the Catholic Bishop's conference on their report and endorse their call for Christians to participate in debate on the subject of criminal justice and prisons. We need more investment in smart solutions to crime that result in fewer victims in the future.'

For more details contact : Helen Attewell Smart Justice on 0191 384 8241
Oliver Wilson, Catholic Bishops' Conference on 0207 901 4803
Elaine Lumley, Teesside Probation Service on 01642 230533

Notes to Editors

Interviews are available with an ex-offender / ex-heroin user who took part in the Dordrecht project. Jonny was committing crime on a daily basis - shoplifting, car theft, burglaries etc. He has had a couple of spells in prison on remand. He hit rock bottom when his constant stealing caused his Dad's newsagents business to fold, and all the family rejected him. Now he has put his offending past behind him. Contact via Smart Justice.