Forty-nine more people from Cambridgeshire were added to the sex offenders register last year, government data has revealed.
There were 987 offenders registered in the county according to the latest 2022/23 figures, up from 938 the previous year.
This increase of 5.22 per cent is the highest in the East of England.
A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: “Protecting people from sexual crimes is one of our top priorities so any rise in the number of registered offenders is a concern.
“However, we believe this rise is mainly down to the hard work of our specialist teams, which take reports of sexual offences very seriously and are dedicated to bringing offenders to justice.”
Last month, Cambridgeshire Police said it dealt with more than 180 requests for information through Sarah’s Law in 2023.
The scheme was introduced following the abduction, sexual assault and murder of the eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Payne.
It allows anyone to apply for information on behalf of a child to find out if an adult, who has access to that child, poses a risk to them.
Most of the country's police forces have seen more offenders added - although the list has decreased for half of the six East of England forces (Essex, Hertfordshire and Norfolk).
Norfolk was found to statistically have the highest number of sex offenders with 143 per 100,000 population.
This was followed by Suffolk which has 137 and then Cambridgeshire with 124 per 100,000 population.
Norfolk Police said the national increase is “due to more awareness of the issue, increasing reports of non-recent sex offences and more sex offenders remaining on the Sex Offenders Register”.
Its spokesperson said: “We strive to minimise any risk to the public.
“We closely monitor all sex offenders and have mechanisms to impose strict conditions and inhibit their movements.”
A Suffolk Police spokesperson said the management of sex offenders in the community is one of their highest priorities.
It works with the probation service, prisons, children and young people’s services, health and housing providers and other organisations depending on the need.
He said: “Suffolk police keep thorough records on registered sex offenders (RSOs) and the day-to-day management of RSOs in Suffolk is completed by a dedicated team who monitor, risk assess and enforce the law where required.
“Where a RSO has committed additional offences, or not acted in accordance with strict requirements imposed on their conduct, they are subject to robust action which can include arrest and, where appropriate, a return or recall to prison.”
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While Essex had the largest population out of the East of England counties, with 112 it falls in the middle of the table when assessing the number of sex offenders per 100,000 population.
In May 2023, Essex Police was ranked first out of all 43 forces for its sexual offences conviction rate for cases that went to trial in the previous 12 months.
Last year, 91.3 per cent of sexual offences investigations that went to trial resulted in a successful conviction. The national figure is 84.5 per cent.
It also has a range of specialist teams trained in investigating different forms of sexual abuse and protecting victims, including the Quest team.
These specialist detectives and support staff investigate reports of non-recent child sexual abuse and recently secured a conviction for an offence from 57 years ago.
He added: “As a force, we are consistently trying to be better and listen to what victims have to say and work closely with our partners to protect victims.
“Our Victim Feedback Panel, launched two years ago, allows officers to listen to what could have been improved throughout an investigation.
“Following the conclusion of every investigation, whether it leads to an arrest or not, victims are asked to complete a Disclosure Discussion Documents.
“So far, we have completed 2,400 of these and only 3 per cent of these victims have said they are dissatisfied.”
Bedfordshire has 92 registered sex offenders per 100,000 population and Hertfordshire’s number is 77.
A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said: “Our stance on tackling sexual offences remains strong and we will continue to support victims and bring sexual offenders to justice.
“If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, we will always be here for you.”
Bedfordshire Police declined to comment.
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