Almost 400 on the sex offenders’ register
More perverts living in Ayrshire compared to the Capital city
There are 377 registered sex offenders living in Ayrshire communities - latest Police Scotland figures show.
Another 123 sex criminals are in custody or hospital - according to statistics released at the end of July.
South Ayrshire Council said it has a legal obligation to consider housing applications for offenders along with others.
Ayrshire has the fifth highest number of registered sex offenders in the country in the community- more than Edinburgh, which has 345.
The criminals are monitored locally and officers assess any risks to the public, a top Ayrshire detective said.
Ayrshire Division’s Detective Super intendent Kenny Armstrong said: “Protecting the public is a top priority for Police Scotland.
“Registered Sex Offenders are robustly managed by police and our partners through Multi- Agency Public Protection Arrangements ( MAPPA). Offenders are subject to comprehensive risk assessments and risk management plans in the community. We have dedicated officers, based in Ayrshire, specially trained for this task.”
He added: “Our MultiAgency Public Protection Arrangements ( MAPPA) provide a comprehensive response to a complex issue, using professional assessment and a collaborative approach to manage those offenders who pose a risk to the public.”
A South Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “In common with all Scottish councils, we have a legal obligation to consider all applications for housing in our area.
“Public safety is always the main priority, and the council works with Police Scotland, NHS, Scottish Prison Service and other partners to monitor and manage housing provision to individuals under Multi- Agency Public Protection Arrangements ( MAPPA).”
Greater Glasgow has the highest number of sex offenders in the community standing at a total of 685 out of 13 police regions. Lanarkshire is next with 528, the North East is third at 452 followed by Tayside with 400.