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Evidence shows that we have a much better chance of stopping many offenders returning to crime if we tackle the underlying causes of their criminality.
I do not think that it is appropriate for that matter to be left in a vacuum. I am sure that, in practice, many sheriffs would bear that in mind, but it is important to have a statutory reference to it.
However, the setting of a significant minimum distance from residential property in all circumstances would greatly limit the land that would be available for development and, in many urban areas, it might mean that no such land was available.