Repeat offenders could have their jewellery and Ipods seized by police under a range of sweeping powers being considered by the Government.

Home Secretary John Reid visited the Willard estate, Clapham, today to launch a review of the nation's police forces and outline tough new measures to tackle the 5,000 career criminals he says are responsible for one in 10 crimes.

Under the plans, career criminals could still face controls even once they had left prison and tougher asset recovery rules.

The Government proposal would give judges the poor to issue a "prolific offender licence" to limit what an offender can do once released from prison.

Breaking the rules would be an arrestable offence and could end in up to three years' jail.

Mr Reid said security, crime and justice were the top issues for the public.

"Crime is down by 35 per cent since 1997 but there is no room for complacency.

"We know that criminals will continue to find new ways of breaking our laws and attempting to avoid justice, we need to be one step ahead ensuring that the most serious and persistent offenders are dealt with swiftly and efficiently."

He said the Government wanted to introduce tough new community punishments so members of the public could have a say in how criminals repaid their debts to society.

It also wants to double the amount of property seized from criminals to £250million by 2009-10.

To help achieve this "lifestyle property" will be added to asset recovery laws, possibly with a stripped-down "criminal benefit order" for lower value crimes.

While the police are currently targeting the proceeds of drug crime, particularly vehicles, the report says the powers should be widened to other offences and goods, including electronics, jewellery, plasma televisions and laptops.

"This would be a highly powerful tool against bad criminal role models, but could increase the risk of human rights challenge," the report says.

Under the review, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Ronnie Flanagan would be looking for ways to cut red tape and manage future police budgets.

It will also make sure the good work of neighbourhood policing continues as well as giving residents a voice in what different forces do.

Sir Ronnie will start his review in coming days, with the report on reducing bureaucracy and embedding neighbourhood policing expected in the summer and resourcing, local involvement and accountability due by the end of the year.