THE NUMBER of people on the sex offenders register has risen across West Mercia, following national trend according to the NSPCC.
The number of criminals on the register has increased from 1,107 in 2014 to 2015 to 1,166 in 2015 to 2016 which has contributed to a nationwide 6.7 per cent increase.
The children’s charity released the figures on Monday (October 31) and speculated the cause may reflect a rise in reporting such incidents to the police along with a ‘shift’ in officers attitudes towards victims of sexually abuse. However they still found the figure troubling.
Children who are worried about sexual abuse can contact Childline on 0800 11 11, and adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting http://www.nspcc.org.uk.