UK Police forces allow hundreds of sex offenders to go missing

Police forces across the UK have lost track of hundreds of paedophiles and rapists. A recent Freedom of Information request released data that 503 convicted sex offenders have slipped off the police radar. The Metropolitan Police Service alone cannot account for 228 of these violent sex offenders who are now living amongst us, and vulnerable adults and children or who have possibly fled the UK altogether. In either case, these offenders could be continuing to commit vile crimes, undetected. In comparison, Greater Manchester police have lost track of 32 sexual offenders. However, one is too many.

It is the duty of the police to protect society. The police have core operational duties which

include:

• protecting life and property;
• preserving order;
• preventing the commission of offences; and
• bringing offenders to justice.

Robust monitoring of the sex offenders register is expected by the public and victims. It is clear that these vital duties and basic expectations are not being met.

This is in spite of the Home Office saying it has ‘some of the toughest powers in the world to deal with sex offenders’.

It is important to note that only 27 police forces released data. There are 45 police forces in the UK. Therefore, the actual number of convicted sex offenders that have been left to roam is likely to be much higher.

In a separate Freedom of Information request relating to police data from 2019 to 2021, it was found that 729 registered sex offenders had disappeared or were wanted for arrest.

There are no words to describe how truly worrying this crisis is.

It is unjust and unfair – not only for society as a whole but for the victims of these violent offenders who have been allowed to disappear. My heart goes out to those survivors at this time.

Here at Bolt Burdon Kemp (BBK), we feel strongly about protecting society from sexual offenders and we work to bring offenders to justice. We do this by bringing civil claims for compensation against abusers and institutions who have perpetrated sexual assault and abuse. A successful claim for compensation can go a long way in a survivor’s quest for justice and make a positive difference in a survivor’s healing journey. We also offer a therapy fund for our clients who would benefit from early mental health support.

If you have been affected by abuse or sexual assault and would like to discuss bringing a civil claim for compensation and what this entails, me and my colleagues here in the Abuse team would be happy to speak with you. You can call our specialist team at no cost, at any time, and we will be on call to listen to your experience and to assist you on a no-win no-fee basis.