NEW data has revealed how many sex offenders are living in Lancashire right now – and there is a way to find out if you live near one.

An FOI request made to Lancashire Constabulary sought to find out how many registered sex offenders are living in the Lancashire community as of July 2021.

These individuals are currently being managed under MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement).

MAPPA is the set of arrangements through which the police, probation and prison services work together with other agencies to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community in order to protect the public.

According to the police data, a total of 2439 sex offenders are living in East, South and West Lancashire.

937 sex offenders are registered as living in West Lancashire, 902 in East Lancashire and 600 in South Lancashire.

What is the sex offenders register?

Since 1997, anyone cautioned or convicted for a sexual offence, either adults or children, is put on the sex offenders register (SOR). 

Under the Sexual Offences Act, all those on the sex offenders register must register with the police within three days of their conviction or release from prison.

How long a person remains on the register depends on the offence committed.

Sex offenders sentenced to at least 30 months in prison remain on the register indefinitely – although some can apply to be removed after 15 years.

Background of Sarah's Law

Under England and Wales’ child sex offender disclosure scheme in England and Wales, also known as “Sarah’s Law”, the public can ask the police if someone that has contact with a child has a record of sexual offences.

The scheme was rolled out across all England and Wales police forces in 2010.

It came after the tragic murder of Sarah Payne who disappeared in July 2000.

Lancashire Telegraph: Sarah PayneSarah Payne

Her body was found on July 17, 2000 found near Pulborough which is 15 miles from where she disappeared.

Roy Whiting was convicted of the abduction and murder of Sarah on December 12, 2001 and sentenced to life in prison.

After he was convicted, it was revealed that Whiting had previously abducted and sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl and had served four years in prison.

Sarah’s mother, Sara, campaigned to bring in a law which allows every parent in the country to know if dangerous offenders are living in their area.

How to find out if you live near a sex offender

There is a way to find out if you live near a sex offender.

The public can ask the police if someone that has contact with a child has a record of sexual offences.

‘Contact’ means the person has enough access to a child to pose a real risk of harm. For example:

  • they live or work in a household with the child
  • they talk to the child online or over the phone
  • they could meet the child unsupervised through access to shared common areas, like gardens or corridors, or through a relationship with the child’s family

You do not have to be a relative of the child you’re concerned about to ask for a check.

The results of the check will only be shared with the people best placed to protect the child. This will usually be a parent, guardian or carer.

However, this information must remain confidential and legal action can be taken if this is breached.

You can find out more and request for information on the Gov.uk website.

Alternatively you can go to a police station and ask them for a ‘Child Sex Offenders Disclosure Scheme Form’ (Sarah’s Law), or Form 284.

In all other circumstances that are not an emergency, you can request information relating to a child that you are in a position to protect or safeguard by calling 101 or visit your local police station.

If you feel a child is in immediate danger, you should call 999 straight away.