The number of sex offenders registered in Gibraltar has increased to 52.
This represents a rise of almost 25% since February last year, when the number was 42.
The figure includes those who are currently out of jurisdiction as well as nine who are in prison.
And Justice Minister Nigel Feetham intends to pass a law to keep sex offenders behind bars for longer.
Under the proposed legislation to be heard in Parliament soon, offenders convicted of certain sexual offences and sentenced to more than a year would be eligible for parole only after serving at least three-quarters of their sentence.
Eligibility for parole would not be automatic release, with decisions subject to an assessment process.
Mr Feetham is also looking to increase the maximum sentence of those convicted in relation to indecent photographs of children by 40%.
The Justice Minister told Katy Docker the Government has an obligation to protect the public.
Figures from the prosecution show there are currently 17 sexual offences cases currently going through the court system.
