Offenders will be named and shamed by Avon and Somerset police

Everyone convicted of an offence in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area is to be named and shamed on the force's website.

The number of offenders prosecuted has more than doubled since 2005.

In the 12 months to April 2006, the total number of people convicted in Avon and Somerset courts was 17,085. This compares to 41,503 in the 12 months to April 2008.

The big jump has been attributed to more efficient working across the criminal justice system and to the increased availability of "instant" punishment such as cautions.

Superintendent Matt Ayres, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's criminal justice department, said: "The aim of this project is to show the public the work we are doing to tackle offenders in their neighbourhood."

To view the new web page visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/offenders.