Police in Macclesfield are monitoring almost 150 sex offenders, new data reveals.
The figures relate to those convicted of sex crimes living in Macclesfield, Poynton and Wilmslow, as well as Congleton and Knutsford.
Data obtained via the Freedom of Information Act has revealed Cheshire Police and the probation service have been keeping a close eye on 1,262 sex offenders, as of March this year. This is an increase from 1,126 in 2015 and continues a trend of successive annual increases.
Of the latest figures Macclesfield’s unit monitor 148 sex offenders, Crewe, 264; Warrington, 278; Widnes, 77; Runcorn, 81; Northwich, 150; Chester, 163; and Ellesmere Port and Neston, 101.
Chief Inspector Gareth Lee, from the Cheshire Police Protection Directorate, said: “Each is risk assessed and dealt with according to the requirements of the Sexual Offences Act. Our top priority is the safety of the public.
“When we receive new information about the conduct of any of those individuals, the risk posed by them is re-assessed and action taken to maximise public safety.
“Where offenders breach legal restrictions placed upon them, they are arrested and brought before the courts. We also work with those offenders who want to avoid reoffending.
“Many sex offenders, appropriately managed, go on to live within communities without further incident.
“We do not comment on individual cases because publicity can damage appropriate management of the risks they pose.
“Where it is necessary for an individual’s presence in the community to be made public we act within the law to do this. These are difficult decisions taken on a regular basis by specially trained officers.
“Anyone who has concerns about an individual they believe is a sex offender should make the police in that area aware either through the non-emergency 101 number or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Across England and Wales, police and probation were monitoring 52,770 registered sex offenders at March 31 this year.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the increase in the number of registered sex offenders is influenced by the increase in the number of people convicted of sexual offences.
