Almost 900 sex offenders are being monitored by the Northern Ireland authorities, it was revealed today.
According to the Northern Ireland Sex Offenders' Strategic Management Committee's Managing the Risk annual report 07/08, there were 893 individuals being managed across Northern Ireland in March, up on the previous year.
A total of 774 are in the community, most at little risk of re-offending.
Statistics revealed 46 high-risk figures, although nine are living outside Northern Ireland and only six are in the community.
In south Belfast there are 116 living publicly, while other parts of the city, Foyle and Lisburn also affected.
Northern Ireland is one of seven countries to have a register across the UK.
Almost 900 sex offenders are being monitored by the Northern Ireland authorities, it was revealed today.
South Belfast has the highest number of convicted sex offenders in all categories within the community.
Northern Ireland is one of seven countries to have a register across the UK.
The report said all sex offenders were different and it was inappropriate to suggest that they should all be dealt with in the same way. Prison alone does not address all of the issues posed.
"Whilst it is certainly true that most offenders are men, they rarely fit a single stereotype of loners living shadowy lives," the paper added.
Managing them can include prohibitions on behaviour through court orders, covert or overt surveillance and regular visits. The report said a variety of offences were involved.
"These extend from 'private' acts such as viewing child sexual abuse images to public acts such as indecent exposure, and from voyeurism right through to the most appalling personally intrusive behaviour," it added.
PA