Nearly 1,600 people are registered as sex offenders across west London in the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Justice.

Ealing (303), Brent (280) and Hillingdon (233) hold the highest number of sexual offenders among the eight west London boroughs, with Ealing the seventh highest of all 33 London boroughs.

In total there are 7,065 such offenders in London as a whole, of which 1,589 are in west London.

The statistics are taken from the 2015-16 Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) annual report, an umbrella tasked with the management of registered sex offenders.

Borough Number of registered sexual offenders 2015/16
Ealing 303
Brent 280
Hillingdon 233
Hounslow 218
Westminster 173
Harrow 148
Hammersmith and Fulham 133
Kensington and Chelsea 101

The alarming figures have risen astronomically over the last decade in England and Wales causing great concern to charities such as the NSPCC.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “It’s good that more of these individuals are being put on the list of registered sex offenders but it’s worrying that this is such a prolific problem, as many of these offenders will be paedophiles.

“In just ten years, the number of registered sex offenders has risen by 73% and these latest figures mean that nearly one in every 1,000 people in England and Wales is on the register.

“A trend towards more survivors of sex abuse being willing to come forward is encouraging. But there is no room for complacency and it is important to report signs of sexual abuse when they occur.”

Children worried about sexual abuse can contact Childline on 08001111, and adults with concerns about a child can call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, by text 88858 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk

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