Police given sex offender search powers

New laws giving police the power to search sex offenders' homes have come into force.

The Home Office measures, contained in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill passed last November, are intended as a preventative measure.

They enable police to obtain a magistrates warrant to search for evidence even if they are not concerned that a crime has taken place.

If an offender denies access on more than one occasion, officers will be able to use force to gain entry.

They could then apply for a sexual offences prevention order and inform local people if they find evidence that the offender poses a risk.

"This new power will help police better manage known sex offenders and allow preventative action to be taken before an offence actually happens," said home secretary John Reid.

A Home Office spokesman added: "If a police officer sees a child's bike in the house of a registered sex offender, the officer might then decide to search for further evidence to reassess the risk posed by the offender."