New powers to fight sex offences

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Police are to get new powers to search the homes of known sex offenders.

Officers will be able to seek a warrant to carry out "risk assessments" on properties under measures due to come into force over the next two months.

Currently police can enter convicted sex offenders' homes only if they suspect a crime has been committed.

Tony Blair highlighted the powers at an event for children's charity NSPCC where he said work to fight abuse went on "day in and day out".

The prime minister was speaking alongside the Duke of York at the event.

Mr Blair said: "The abuse of a child is something that should never remain hidden."

He said that although much had been achieved, action to tackle abuse must continue.

"It's work that goes on day in, day out."

'Big change'

Mr Blair hailed the NSPCC saying it had helped to change the attitudes of the public and of the victims themselves.

"There's been a big, big change in attitudes of young people and in their confidence and ability to come forward and get help," he said.

The Home Office said the new powers were part of the Violent Crime Act 2006, but have yet to be implemented.

Current laws allow police to make occasional checks on a registered sex offender at their address. But they may only carry out a search if they suspect a crime has been committed.

The new "preventative" powers will allow them to apply to a magistrate for a search warrant if they see something there that causes concern, such as children's toys.

The Home Secretary John Reid said: "Protecting children from abuse is of the highest priority. This new power will help police better manage known sex offenders, and allow action to be taken before an offence actually happens."

The move is the latest in a series of government moves to monitor the activities of sex offenders.

Earlier this week, Mr Reid said paedophiles could be forced to register their email addresses and chatroom names on the Sex Offenders Register.