ASSAULT victims are to be given GPS alarms to alert police in the event of further attacks.
The mobile phone-sized gadget will show police the victim's whereabouts to within 10 yards as soon as the alarm is triggered.
The pioneering system has now been launched in North Lanarkshire, following a trial in Bellshill.
It can be used by all victims of serious assault including those affected by domestic violence, violent neighbours and those fearful for their safety prior to giving evidence in court.
Chief Superintendent Nelson Telfer, Strathclyde Police North Lanarkshire Divisional Commander, said: "I am delighted to see the arrival of the GPS alarm devices. This will allow us to quickly locate the user whenever the device is activated.
"It also reassures people to know that, if they need the police, we can trace them by following the GPS location markers. Often, when a person is involved in a serious incident, they feel unable to leave the house. This alarm will allow them to feel more confident about going out."
Once it is activated the device will set off a silent alarm at Strathclyde Police Control Room. Then the operator will be able to "listen in" and record what is happening while the person is located. The audio can then be used as evidence if required.
The system was trialled by a 62-year-old woman who was attacked by a neighbour in her home. Councillor Sam Love, Housing and Social Work convener, said: "The woman reported feeling safer and more confident.
"She was able to get back to living a normal life following the shattering affects of the assault she experienced at the hands of her neighbour.
"We hope it will bring a real sense of security to those issued with the devices, as well as acting as a deterrent to those responsible for violence.
"This is an extremely important step in public protection and not just for those who are victims of assault or in witness protection programmes."
Ann Hayne, NHS Lanarkshire's operations advisor for Gender Based Violence, said: "The new GPS alarm systems will be a useful option in a package of measures for protecting individuals whose personal circumstances cause a high level of concern."
Developed and funded by North Lanarkshire Council's Housing and Social Work Services, NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Public Protection and Integrated Children's Services Chief Officer Group, Strathclyde Police will manage the project.
matty.sutton@heraldandtimes.co.uk