SEX crime statistics published earlier this week show the number of sex offenders living in the area has increased by over 15 per cent. A Home Office report released on Monday shows a rise of 113 registered sex offenders compared with last year. The natio

SEX crime statistics published earlier this week show the number of sex offenders living in the area has increased by over 15 per cent.A Home Office report released on Monday shows a rise of 113 registered sex offenders compared with last year.The national average across England and Wales is just four per cent. This means the number of sex pests living in the area covered by Avon and Somerset police force has increased by over three times the national average. Last year, Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements' (Mappa) figures for Avon and Somerset showed 674 registered sex offenders living here as on March 31, 2005. But Monday's figures illustrated this number has grown to 787 this year.A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "We have a dedicated team for internet child pornography that's why we have slightly higher figures."This is the first year Mappa figures were released for different sectors within Avon and Somerset constabulary. North Somerset has 45 sex offenders per 100,000 people, whereas the national average is 58. Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts said: "We realise risk can never be totally eliminated, but it can be managed by agencies who have expert and dedicated staff across the board who work together on some difficult and challenging cases. The annual report shows that we are continuing to build these protection measures and reassure our communities.