By Nick Griffiths Crime reporter

Last updated at 12:56, Friday, 26 October 2012

The number of sex offenders being monitored in Cumbria went up last year, with 350 criminals including rapists and child porn perverts placed under scrutiny.

Police, prison and probation staff also kept tabs on 110 violent convicts and four other offenders classed as dangerous under special arrangements aimed at thwarting further offending.

Statistics covering the 12 months up to April reveal:

• Six sex offenders, three violent criminals and four dangerous convicts were recalled to prison to protect the public;
• Sixteen sex offenders were cautioned or convicted for breaching conditions such as keeping officers informed about their movements.
• Thirty-three sexual offences prevention orders, which can include conditions such as staying away from schools or playgrounds, were imposed on criminals by the courts. One of these orders was breached.

Police say they watch over offenders so they can pick up on any signs of them returning to their criminal ways to protect “potential victims”.

The 350 registered sex offenders in the county at the end of March compares to 321 at the end of the previous 12 months.

The figures are revealed in a report from an alliance of public agencies named Cumbria’s Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).

Police, probation and prison services link-up in this set-up to “manage” the risks posed by sexual, violent and dangerous offenders.

The report states: “The number of sexual and violent crimes committed represent a small proportion of the total recorded crime in Cumbria.

“But for the victims and their families they inevitably cause a great deal of fear and concern.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Smith leads the county force’s public protection unit.

He said the alliance focused on plans aimed at “preventing criminals from re-offending”.

Det Supt Smith added: “We also monitor offenders closely, so that if they show signs of returning to criminality we can work fast to protect potential victims by returning offenders to prison for breaching the conditions of their release.

“The monitoring of these offenders means any offender who has been involved in any preparatory acts with a view to committing further offences or breaching the terms of their release will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”

First published at 12:02, Friday, 26 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk