Alarming stats have revealed that re-offending has rocketed in Gloucestershire.

Figures provided by Gloucestershire Police indicate a sharp rise from 33 per cent to 50 per cent.

The increase in re-offending coincides with the change in the probation service which went private.

Police and crime commissioners who opposed the privatisation of the probation service say their worst fears have come true.

Martin Surl, one of many PCCs who opposed the changes, said, “The privatisation of part of the probation service in 2015 focused on what the Government refers to as medium to low risk offenders. But these are the people who commit the vast majority of crimes.

“If offenders are not supported effectively on their release from prison, then reoffending rates will remain high. More crime means more victims of crime which is unacceptable. Clearly, the system is broken.”