High-risk criminals back in jail

Police work with partner agencies to monitor the offenders

Fifty-eight "high-risk" criminals monitored across Greater Manchester over the past year were returned to prison, new figures have revealed.

They were among 296 dangerous offenders on licence under Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa).

Mappa involves police forces, probation and prison services working together to protect the public.

The Mappa report also states there are 1,707 registered sex offenders in the region - 66 per 100,000 people.

Sixty-two sex offenders were cautioned or convicted for breaching conditions of their licence - a 39% drop from 2008.

'Reassuring drop'

The report, released on Monday, outlines the work carried out to protect communities from the most dangerous offenders, including sex offenders.

Trafford has the lowest number of sex offenders in Greater Manchester, with 84, while central Manchester has the highest - 181.

Det Supt Phil Owen, Greater Manchester Police's Mappa lead, said: "The total number of registered sex offenders in the community has decreased slightly this year - this is because more offenders came to the end of registration requirements during this period.

"The significant drop of nearly 40% in the number of sex offenders being cautioned or convicted for a breach is reassuring and shows that through our strong partnerships, the work carried out under Mappa is ensuring we meet the challenge of protecting people and managing the risks.

"We know the impact these offences can have on victims and families and that is why Mappa in Greater Manchester is so important to us."