More than 2,000 sex offenders are living in Hampshire figures show

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice reveal 2,143 sex offenders are in the county.

That is a rate of 121 offenders for every 100,000 people, higher than the average for England and Wales of 119.

Sex offenders sentenced to at least 30 months in prison remain on the register indefinitely – although some can apply to be removed after 15 years, following a change to the law in 2012.

The vast majority in Hampshire are classed as level one offenders, which means police and other agencies share information about them, but no special measures are required.

But offenders in Hampshire were placed in the level two category 67 times during 2019-20, meaning agencies have to hold regular meetings to discuss them

Two were deemed to be level three, the most serious kind.

These offenders pose such a big risk that additional resources such as specialised accommodation may be needed to manage them.

Abigail Gill, policy and public affairs manager at the NSPCC, said: ‘It’s vital the system is able to manage and monitor these offenders in the community to rehabilitate them and ensure children and young people are protected.

‘Sexual abuse has an absolutely devastating impact on young lives and this strategy must focus on prevention and put the experiences and needs of children at its heart.’

The NSPCC is calling for the Home Office's promised Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy to be implemented without delay.

In response, the government said that the national strategy will be published before the end of this year.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: ‘We are increasing prison time for the most dangerous sex offenders and when they are released they go on the sex offender register and can be brought back to jail if they break their strict license conditions.

‘As sex offenders are required to register for long periods of time, many for life, the number monitored continues to grow as more are caught and convicted.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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