Kentish Express Ashford & District
Sex offender increase ‘worrying’
Just over one in 1,000 people living in Kent are registered sex offenders according to figures released this week.
The figures show a slight increase in registered sex offenders, known as category 1 offenders, from 1,560 to 1,595 compared with last year.
These offenders must notify police of their names, addresses and other personal details and highlight any changes.
Failure to do so is a crime carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Published in the annual 2015-16 Multi-Agency Public Protection report, the figures show Kent has the highest number of registered sex offenders per 1,000 people in the South East.
However, nationally the county is about average.
A programme called the Offender Personality Disorder pathway is running in Kent, aimed at managing and treating high-risk offenders.
It involves psychologists, the probation service and offender managers.
The NSPCC said it was worrying that sex offences were such a prolific problem, but welcomed the increase in reporting.
A spokesman said: “It’s good that 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.
“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 can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or by visiting www.nspcc.org.uk.