We believe that amendments to bail conditions should apply to all crimes

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Sara Thornton said:

“We have previously raised concerns with the public bill committee examining the Policing and Crime Bill, while police can impose bail conditions on suspects, there is no legislation to make breaching them an offence.

“While any increase in the powers we have to protect the public would be welcome, we believe that the amendment should apply to all bail conditions - not just those relating to travel offences for suspected terrorists.  There are real dangers of offenders breaching pre-charge bail conditions in other complex cases such as child abuse or domestic abuse.  For example, when an offender makes contact with their victim in contravention of their bail conditions putting them at further risk of harm, there is no sanction available to police.”

Home Office announcement on bail conditions here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-new-offence-of-breach-of-pre-charge-bail