THE NUMBER of people on the sex offenders’ register has risen across West Mercia, following a national trend according to the NSPCC.
The number of criminals on the register has increased from 1,107 in 2014 to 2015 to 1,166 in 2015 to 2016 which has contributed to the country-wide 6.7 per cent increase.
The children’s charity released the figures on Monday (October 31) and speculated the cause may reflect a rise in reporting such incidents to the police along with a ‘shift’ in officers’ attitudes towards victims of sexually abuse. However, the charity said, it still found the figure troubling.
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “It’s good more of these individuals are being put on the list of registered sex offenders but it’s worrying that this is such a prolific problem, as many of these offenders will be paedophiles.
“In just ten years, the number of registered sex offenders has risen by 73 per cent and these latest figures mean that nearly one in every 1,000 people in England and Wales is on the register.
“A trend towards more survivors of sex abuse being willing to come forward is encouraging. But there is no room for complacency and it is important to report signs of sexual abuse when they occur.”
Children worried about sexual abuse can contact Childline on 0800 11 11, and adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk.
