Calls for stalkers and domestic abusers to be fitted with electronic tags to alert victims

Convicted stalkers and domestic abusers should be made to wear GPS trackers to alert their victims when they are nearby, campaigners have suggested.

The scheme would mean anyone granted a restraining order against their former partner, could be alerted through a smart phone app or another device, if they were in the vicinity or attempting to approach them.

A government consultation is already considering tagging perpetrators in order to electronically monitor their movements.

Under the Government's proposals, the offender would wear a device which transmits a signal to a landline and call centre which in turn registers a breach if the device is tampered with, or the offender leaves their place of residence.

But campaigners want the proposals to go further in order to provide peace of mind to those who live in fear of being attacked by their former abusers.

The Victims' Rights Campaign, along with Plaid Cymru, has called for offenders to wear a transmitter which would send a signal to a receiver, carried by the victim.

Liz Saville Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru's Justice and Home Affairs spokesman said: "We know that manufacturers could develop simple devices based on transmitters and receivers that could provide a vital extra layer of security for victims and genuinely reduce the incidents of re-offending by convicted stalkers and abusers."

Director of the Victims' Rights Campaign, Harry Fletcher, added: "Our proposals are about improving safety and public confidence, and allowing victims of domestic abuse and stalking to live their lives without fear.

“Manufacturers have told us that that they could develop these simple devices and it is important that the Government takes these ideas on board and gives them serious consideration."