Figures show the number of sex offenders in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven has risen.

Data released by Police Scotland shows that there are 52 of the offenders living in local neighbourhoods including Helensburgh.

The figures, up until July 1, reveal that the number logged in the G83 postcode area –including Bonhill, Alexandria and Balloch – rose from 15 in March to 17.

They also show a rise in G82 – which takes in Dumbarton, Cardross and Renton – from 17 to 19.

In Helensburgh , the G84 code , the number stayed the same at 16 such criminals registered.

The highest number of registered sex offenders in the West Dunbartonshire area – 43 in total – live in the Clydebank area, which logged a drop of one since March.

A total of 151 RSOs are at large in the community in the L Policing Division area, which covers the wider area of West Dunbartonshire and Argyll.

It is the second lowest figure for all Scots’ policing divisions, behind only Dumfries and Galloway on 145.

Another 58 sex offenders in the L policing division are in custody or in hospital.

Police Scotland says it publishes information on the number of registered sex offenders in communities: “As part of our commitment to demonstrate openness and transparency in respect of the information we hold”.

Detective Superintendent Paul Cherrie, head of Police Scotland’s National Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “Police Scotland, working with our MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) partners, manages registered sex offenders (RSOs) across all of Scotland’s communities.

“Every single offender is assessed and managed in line with the risk they present. Sexual reoffending rates of RSOs remain very low.

“While we can never completely eliminate risk, MAPPA partners use robust risk assessment processes, and a range of investigative tools including the latest technologies, to manage RSOs, mitigate risk and to protect the public.”