[Stuart]

The problem is that the papers (and to a large extent, the rest of the media) think that bad news sells. They also think that if they can campaign for something, this will sell well as well. Think back to the News of the World and their "Sarah's Law", where they (offensively, IMO) cashed in on the plight of Sarah Payne, and even roped in her parents with some vague promise that it might help them grieve.

Sarah's Law was (IIRC) based up what became known as "Megan's Law" in the US. Basically, the US Government published the names and addresses of thousands of known Paedophiles. This backfired massively. Somewhere around 60% of those Paedophiles went AWOL, therefore making the situation worse, not better. At least here, the Authorities have a vague idea of where they are, and can therefore go some way to helping the Paedophile control their tendancies.

Not forgetting that there were probably hundreds of mobs formed that couldn't spell, and therefore went for anything beginning with "ped" (I know of at least one Pediatrician who was attacked by a mob for this reason).

Now, I am not against those who commit secual offences (of any kind) being punished. Far from it. However, they should be punished within the system. Not by a mob.

Thankfully, sex crime against children seems to actually be quite rare, but the papers seem to have a view of the world that is heavily distorted.

Our Government isn't helping because they are desperate to appear to be winning the fight against crime, without actually devoting any real resources to the fight.