Increase in sex crime cases

They include rapists, paedophiles and child molesters who have been released back into the community or escaped a jail sentence after being convicted.

Known high-risk individuals are being monitored by a special team of 30 police and probation workers to stop them from reoffending.

An annual report published yesterday by Greater Manchester Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) shows the number of sex offenders living in Bolton has risen by 31 from 110 last year.

But police chiefs said the rise was not down to more offences but better detection and new laws meaning sexual predators can be convicted of new offences, including "grooming" or preparing children for sex.

Det Supt Steven Heywood, of Greater Manchester Police, said having more sex attackers on the register was not a cause for concern.

He said: "If we sit round the table at the same time next year the figure will have grown again. That is down to better detection, changes to the law which have introduced more criminal acts, and the internet has also played a minor role, albeit one which is growing."

MAPPA is a partnership between police, probation services and lay members.

By sharing information they monitor an offender's behaviour and work to stop them from committing more sex crimes.

Offenders who they feel are at risk of preying on children can be sent back to prison, moved away from high-risk areas or placed under sexual offences orders to stop them from entering certain areas.

They are also given advice and counselling to help them stop reoffending.

A national computer database will also go online later this year to help police share vital information on sex attackers.

Det Supt Heywood added: "These people cannot be kept in prison for the rest of their lives because of their human rights but we also recognise the need to protect the public."

"We are confident that we have the resources to stop these people from reoffending via a wide range of measures."

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