Police cautions to be scrapped

Police will be given extra powers to fine people for the most minor offences, under Government plans to scrap the system of police cautions in England and Wales. Under plans announced by the Justice Secretary, people carrying out minor acts of vandalism could be fined up to about £150, ordered to repair the damage, write a letter of apology or pay compensation to the victim. If the offender fails to pay up or carry out the work, they would then face going before the courts for the original offence, MoJ officials said. Three police forces – Leicestershire, Staffordshire and West Yorkshire – will try out the new approach over the next 12 months and it could then be adopted across the country. It will replace a series of out-of-court options to tackle cannabis use and anti-social behaviour.