Number of West Yorkshire Registered Sex Offenders on the Increase

The number of registered sex offenders living in West Yorkshire has risen by around 18 per cent in just four years, according to new figures.

A Freedom of Information Act request made to West Yorkshire Police revealed that;

• There were 3,538 registered sex offenders living in West Yorkshire as of July 1 2024 this year compared to 2,985 in 2020,
• In 2021, the figure was 3,093. By 2022 it was 3,187 and last year the number had risen to 3,267.

The Force said that there are currently 51 police officers involved in the management of registered sex offenders in the community, although they are supported by other staff. The same team of officers also manages those who are subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders. Anyone who is subject to such an order is also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The Force revealed the following statistics in relation to breaches of SHPO’s and what happened to them;

• In 2020, 48 were convicted for breaching their order and 31 of them got a custodial sentence.
• In 2021, 70 broke the order and 36 were imprisoned.
• In 2022, 81 broke the order and 45 were jailed.
• In 2023 79 broke the order and 41 received a custodial sentence, with some still under investigation or not dealt with.

A recent inspection, carried out by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, said of West Yorkshire Police: “The force effectively manages the risk posed to the public by registered sex offenders in line with authorised professional practice guidelines.”

The figures show that, whilst there will be concerns that the number of registered sex offenders is on the rise, it allows the police to manage their activities more closely and prosecute those who fail to comply with their conditions.