Police forces will be given new powers to “name and shame” dangerous and prolific criminals to protect the public and prevent crime under radical plans unveiled by the Conservatives today.

Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve wants to end the “automatic privacy” of criminals whose identities are currently hidden to protect their human rights.

He is committed to abolishing the Human Rights Act and replacing it with a British Bill of Rights which he says will rebalance laws in favour of public protection.

The party believes the Act has left prison officers, probation staff, police and local authorities “in confusion” about conflicting duties owed to the public and offenders.

Under the new guidance, police will be able to warn residents about repeat offenders – or any criminals considered a threat – living in their neighbourhoods.

They will also be able to name criminals on the run including suspects who have excaped prison or who are wanted in connection with another crime – but not paedophiles.

Outlining the proposals, Mr Grieve said the changes would make public protection an “overriding priority”.

He said: “Under Labour, the rights of criminals have been put before the rights of law-abiding citizens.

“A Conservative government will free the police, probation and prison services to name offenders where necessary to protect the public and prevent crime.”

The plans were dismissed by Justice Secretary Jack Straw as a “deeply confused populist announcement”.

He said the outcomes of court cases were already on the public record, and police already had powers to inform the public and make announcements about wanted criminals.

‘This is yet another piece of policy hastily cobbled together by the Tories,” said Mr Straw.

Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said there were concerns the policy could lead to a rise in vigilantism.

She said: “If criminals can be spotted and brought to justice – that is a good thing.

“But if it were to encourage vigilantism – that would be a concern,” she added.

By London reporter Sunita Patel