TAGGING could be an answer to Basingstoke's young offenders problem, says a top Hampshire policeman.

Home Secretary David Blunkett this week unveiled plans to electronically tag people as young as 12 while they are out on bail awaiting trial for serious criminal charges - a measure already used to keep track of some young offenders as part of their sentence.

Mr Blunkett said: "We are talking about thugs who are creating havoc in the local community, repeatedly offending over and over again.

"They are cocking a snook at the whole system and people are sick and tired of them being put back on the streets, unsupervised and untagged, insecure and carrying on what they were doing before."

He added he would eventually like to introduce proper secure accommodation, but this is an expensive, long-term option.

Mr Blunkett's announcement comes at a time when Basingstoke police say a small number of persistent young offenders are causing the majority of local crime.

Chief Inspector Mike Dulson, of Hampshire community safety department, believes tagging could help Basingstoke combat its problem with young offenders.

He said: "They can't take the tag off, and when they leave a designated area, it sounds an alarm. The idea is that you pin the person down so that they can be contacted.

"If you remand someone into the care of the local authority and tag them, it overrules the problem of them breaching bail by going away from the authority's care."

But Basingstoke youth offending team area manager Jean Humphrey said she has grave concerns about people being tagged when they have not been to trial.

She said: "There is a human rights issue for the children, because they are not convicted. Also, children could see the tags as a badge of honour."