NPCC statement on wanted or missing sex offenders

"Protecting the public from sexual and violent offenders is a key role for the police service.

"The number of recorded wanted or missing sex offenders represents less than 1% of the total and a proportion of these are, following investigation, either known or believed to be living abroad or have returned to their country of origin. When registered sex offenders are missing or wanted in the UK, all police forces are alerted. If they return to the UK, there are processes in place to ensure that they are brought to the attention of police and arrested where appropriate.

“The UK has some of the most effective tools in the world to manage registered sex offenders. While the reality is that the risks posed to the public by such individuals can never be completely eliminated, there is significant evidence that the multi-agency public protection arrangements successfully keeps them to a minimum.

"Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Sexual Risk Orders mean that we can safeguard children or vulnerable adults abroad as well as in the UK. In the last twelve months there has been a significant increase in the usage of orders which place stringent restrictions on registered sex offenders. Along with the Schengen information system these significantly enhance the existing procedures and processes we have in place.”