Every month, at least one sex offender changes their name in Cheshire.

13 convicted of sex crimes changed their name across 2021-22, and a further 13 did this in 2020-21.

While this represented just 0.75% and 0.83% of sex offenders across the county, it is a relatively easy process for these criminals to conduct.

As reported by The Independent earlier this year "It is illegal for registered sex offenders to change their name without informing the police within three days,  but there is no legal requirement for victims or other organisations to be informed of any alteration."

Criminals do not have to pay any extra than any other member of the public to change their name. It costs £42.44 to change your name via deed poll.

Cheshire Police HQ in Winsford. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Despite the requirement to inform cops, 16 Cheshire sex offenders over the past two years have been lost in the system.

This is according to criminal records checks by the Disclosure & Barring Service(DBS), which revealed applicants had cautions or convictions and had supplied incorrect or missed out personal details eg past names/aliases.

Cheshire Constabulary confirmed to the BBC Shared Data unit that seven registered sex offenders "went missing from the force area/were wanted for arrest because their whereabouts were unknown" in 2021-22.

Overall, the number of registered sex offenders in Cheshire has rose from 1510 in 2018-19 to 1719 in 2021-2022.

Macclesfield Police Station, of Brunswick Street. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

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