Tenth more sex offenders in Lothians

THE number of registered sex offenders living in the Lothians has risen by ten per cent over a single year, new figures revealed today.

A total of 521 sex offenders were living in the community in May, compared with 473 for the same month last year.

The figures from May include 319 offenders living in Edinburgh, 102 living in West Lothian, and 100 staying in East Lothian and Midlothian.

Registered offenders have committed offences including rape, child abuse, public indecency and downloading child pornography.

A team of 18 police officers monitors their behaviour, which includes home visits. Some of the offenders are the subject of Sexual Offence Prevention Orders (SOPOs). A specialist police unit mounts surveillance operations at parks, private homes and public toilets.