THERE has been a slight increase in the number of registered sex offenders (RSOs) living at East Lothian postcodes, according to data released by Police Scotland.

Police Scotland publishes data on the number of RSOs living in each postcode area in Scotland, regularly updating the list.

The latest data, from January 2024, shows that there are currently 73 RSOs living at East Lothian postcodes, two more than in the previous data published in November last year.

The November data also showed an increase by three RSOs when compared to data published in August.

READ MORE: Increase in number of registered sex offenders living in East Lothian

The EH21 postcode, which covers Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig, saw the largest increase in RSOs with 24 listed, up two from the previous survey. This is also the postcode area with the most RSOs in East Lothian.

The EH41 area, which includes Haddington, Gifford, Longyester and Whittingehame, saw a decrease in the number of RSOs in the area, with 13 on the list, one less than the previous survey.

A total of 14 RSOs are living in the EH32 area, which includes Prestonpans, Port Seton, Longniddry and Aberlady – up one from the previous survey.

The EH33 area, Tranent, Elphinstone and Macmerry, saw the largest decrease in RSOs with six listed – two less than the previous report.

Seven RSOs are living in the EH42 area, which covers Dunbar, Innerwick, West Barns and Whitekirk, which is up one from the previous report.

Five RSOs are registered in the EH39 area, covering North Berwick, Dirleton, Athelstaneford and East Fortune, an increase of one from the November 2023 survey.

Both Gullane (EH31) and East Linton (EH40) areas have two RSOs living in each postcode, the same as the last report.

There remain no RSOs living in the EH34 and EH35 areas, which include Pencaitland, East and West Saltoun, and Ormiston.

No data can been published for the EH36 area, which includes Humbie, due to the population of the area being too low. Police say publishing the information could lead to the identification of any individual – or individuals – on the register.

A total of 421 RSOs are living in the Lothians and Scottish Borders Police Division area, an increase of four from the previous report, while there are 137 RSOs from the Lothians and Scottish Borders Police Division area in custody or hospital, a decrease of 23 from the previous report.

In Scotland, 4,880 RSOs are living at properties across the country, 51 more than the previous report, with a further 1,985 in custody or hospital, an increase of 50 from the previous report.

As of January 1, 2024, Police Scotland has 14 wanted RSOs, offenders who have a live warrant in notice, and no missing RSOs. Police enquiries to date indicate that all of the 14 RSOs have left the UK.