Domestic abusers and other violent criminals are to be sent letters by the police warning them against repeat offending and breaching their bail conditions.

In a new initiative, Strathclyde Police will write to offenders to explain services available to them to get help for underlying problems such as drug and alcohol abuse.

Speaking exclusively to The Herald, Campbell Corrigan, acting assistant chief constable (crime) of Strathclyde Police, also revealed that the officers will use police bail conditions banning those charged with domestic abuse from entering their partners' homes - even if the partner has allowed them to return.

Police figures indicate 87% of domestic abuse in Scotland is perpetrated by men against women, resulting in 39,076 such incidents, with 55% of the cases involving known repeat victimisation.

"We are sending a perpetrator letter to those involved in domestic abuse and we are wanting to use that in other areas of violence," Mr Corrigan said. "We tell them that their bail condition will be policed. It also says you should get help and advice on anger management or alcohol addiction. The proposal is to extend that into other areas.

"If we interact with someone on the cusp of violence we will send a letter to them too. The emphasis is not on the process but on getting a positive outcome for the victim."

Mr Campbell said police are working closely with the Crown Office on the measures.

The letter, sent on the day someone is bailed, sets out clearly that if an accused breaches their bail conditions, they will be arrested and referred to the procurator-fiscal.

It adds: "We will carry out a home visit within the 24-hour period following your release from court; and thereafter carry out a series of unannounced visits in the period applicable to your bail conditions."

Mr Corrigan added: "Repeat victimisation for those suffering domestic abuse is a big problem. We are pro-actively going to that door to check that person is not there.

"For a variety of reasons, men are often allowed back to the house. If there is a bail condition saying he should not go back to the house, we will pro-actively police that.

"If you look at the number of people who are repeat victims, it makes that worthwhile."