A study shows sex offenders ‘stacking’ in deprived areas.

Breakdown by postcode suggests poorer families could be at risk

A total of 724 sex offenders are living across Tayside and Fife, according to official police records.

The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Informat ion request, show sharp rises in the number of residents listed on the Violent and Sex Offender Register (VISOR) across the region.

Tayside alone has seen an increase of more than 37% since 2015, with the number rising from 293 to 404 by May 9 this year – a climb of 19 since figures were last released in September.

The findings have also prompted fears poorer families could be at risk, with the highest number of registered offenders appearing to be set up in areas with significant levels of deprivation.

Dundee’s DD4 6 postcode, which largely includes streets in areas such as Stobswell and Craigie, had the highest number of residents on the VISOR list anywhere in the region, at 21.

Perth’s PH1 5 district, Methil’s KY8 3 and Kirkcaldy’s KY1 2 all fall well above the average, with 19, 18 and 17 respectively.

Dundee and Angus Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre confirmed in March that it had been forced to take on an additional post at its specialist advocacy service due to high demand.

North East MSP Bill Bowman insisted the rehabilitation of sex offenders “must be balanced with the safety of the public”.

He said: “Stacking criminals in any area where poverty is present will have an adverse effect on everyone concerned.

“Families in Dundee, Perth and Fife have every right to know when offenders are living in their midst.”

A spokeswoman for NSPCC Scotland said: “These figures highlighting increasing numbers of offenders show the continued need to protect children effectively against abuse.

“Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s life and leave them feeling ashamed, depressed, or even suicidal.

“It is vital that those on the register are strictly monitored and this should include regular visits from the police.”

Police Scotland initially refused to give details for specific postcode districts but were later forced to turn over the information following a formal review.

However, the force said it could still not give details for a number of rural postcodes including PH4, PH5, PH9, PH17, PH18, PH19, PH23, PH24, PH25, PH30, PH31, PH32, PH35, PH37 to PH44 and PH50, claiming that to do so could put individuals at risk.

It also grouped the constituent parts of postcodes PH6, PH7, PH8 and KY11, as each of these had a population of fewer than 1,000.

The force said: “Given the population levels of the areas in question and taking into account the fact that a high percentage of RSOS will be male and within a certain age bracket, the potential for a registered sex offender to be identified is significant.”

dhealey@thecourier.co.uk

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It is vital that those on the register are strictly monitored. NSPCC SCOTLAND