GREENWICH'S police chief is behind a government proposal to electronically tag teenage yobs.

Chief Superintendent Sharon Kerr believes a government plan to tag juvenile criminals will help free up police time and make enforcement of bail conditions easier.

Chief Supt Kerr said: "I welcome any development and support of the fight against youth crime, which is given to us from the Home Office.

"This is a positive step and shows the Government is responding to our community's needs.

"We are working closely with the courts and Crown Prosecution Service to make sure young criminals are dealt with in a manner which stops them from getting into a chain of reoffence."

The Home Office proposals are an attempt to stem the rising crime level committed by young teenagers in London.

Under the new system, powers will be available for courts to attach an electronic tag to the ankle of a young criminal who they believe is likely to commit repeat offences while on bail.

Street crime in Greenwich rose 117 per cent from 47 incidents in January 2001 to 102 incidents in January 2002.

Tagging of juveniles on bail will be implemented in inner London on April 22.