The number of registered sexual offenders in Swansea has increased by 25 in the past year, official figures show.

There are now 175 offenders - who have to notify police of their name, address and changes to their personal details - in the city.

The latest figure was published yesterday by Mappa, the multi-agency teams that manage serious offenders in the community.

The overall number of registered sex offenders in the South Wales Police force area has fallen since last year, from 801 to 786.

Broken down by basic command unit, yesterday's report showed there were 74 registered offenders in Neath Port Talbot, down from 79.

And there are 144 in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff, down from 162 last year.

Justice Minister Maria Eagle, publishing the Mapaa reports for forces around the country, said: "There are more offenders on the sexual offenders register which means more offenders subject by law to notification requirements and therefore being monitored by the police and other agencies."

She added that pilots allowing people to request information about particular sex offenders are being evaluated by the Government and could be rolled out nationwide.

The Conservative Party highlighted the rise in registered sexual offenders overall, and pointed out that every police force area has seen an increase.

Shadow police minister David Ruffley said: "The increase in the number of sex offenders being registered is a sign of progress but it also underlines the need to allow police to do their jobs.

"As a result of this worrying trend, there will be pressure on police time to keep an eye on these offenders in local communities.

"That is why it is all the more important to cut the amount of police time wasted on unnecessary bureaucracy."

Figures for Dyfed-Powys Police showed there were 284 registered sex offenders in the force's area, down from 288 in 2007/08.

Regional AM Alun Cairns said the increase in the number of offenders in Swansea was due to improved policing and reporting.

He said: "I don't think that this data shows there is an increase in the number of sexual offending per se.

"I believe it is an increase in the number being monitored and being caught.

"The police need to take credit for these figures, and politicians need to make sure police have got the freedom to do their job."