I think that the best deterrent to crime would be to charge all convicted criminals with all costs associated with their crime, including the costs of:

- police time and resources for investigation, detection, and arrest
- property damaged or stolen during the crime
- legal costs
- compensation to victims of the crime
- costs of 'accommodation' and subsistence in Her Majesty's 'hotels'

I'm pretty sure the thought of being hit in the pocket would deter even the most hardened criminal. Money talks to them as well as anyone else!

If the criminal is unable to afford it, their personal property (if they have any - cars, TV, etc. - could be removed and sold); or they would pay it back in instalments on release, from their benefits if necessary.

If students have to pay for their education, why shouldn't criminals pay for their crimes, financially?