The number of registered sex offenders has increased

The number has risen in all three police force areas. Nationally, the number of people on the register has increased by about 3% in the last year.

In Devon and Cornwall there are now 879 offenders, in Dorset there are 379 and the Avon and Somerset force has 787.

No area had a particular concentration of offenders. Police said they always monitored those on the register.

'Rigorously enforced'

The number of registered sex offenders accumulates year-on-year because on conviction many are ordered to stay on the register for life.

BBC South West Home Affairs Correspondent Simon Hall said that despite the fact that more offenders were being caught than any increase in real terms, some communities were concerned.

He said: "People and parents are worried about issues like this.

"Police said sex offenders are assessed as to how much of a risk they pose for re-offending, and police say that only a handful are assessed as being a severe risk."

Police said that resources were concentrated on those classed as high risk, and that sometimes measures - including cases of 24-hour surveillance - were employed to try to ensure they did not re-offend.

Risk management

Det Supt Steve Matthews, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "We look at these offenders every day. We never take our eye of the ball.

"Thankfully their numbers are low, but those we do have we rigorously enforce everything we can."

However, Dorset's rise to 397 register sex offenders was an increase of 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3%.

Dorset Police said public protection and robust risk management remained a high priority for its officers involved in dealing with such offenders.

Avon and Somerset Police said all offenders were monitored after they registered their details.

The force said all offenders had to register within three days of their conviction or sentencing in person at a prescribed police station, and had to inform the force of any major changes such as moving address or changing their name.