Irvine paedophile hunters who hope to change the law on housing sex criminals revealed constructive talks with police and social services after recent direct actions.

Members of the Scotland-wide Team Shades, which formed in the town two years ago, had talks with the area’s Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements [MAPPA] authorities this month – with officers confirming positive discussion on monitoring measures and meetings with councillors.

Team Shades, which raises awareness of and tries to sting offenders, told the Times they have six decoys posing as kids online and 15 activists in the area – with the group reaching more than 30,000 on Facebook.

Founder Lynzy Bee and member Ryan revealed they now have a police liaison officer after cops previously raised concern on costs, and explained they hope to change the laws on housing offenders and appealing for support from MSPs.

Lynzy said: “We’ve had protests in different areas and we kept getting approached by police asking who was the organiser.

“There’s concerned residents and victims of abuse coming to us saying they’ve not got justice and then they’re living peacefully. Every protest we’ve had someone has come to us with concerns, its not just a matter of us targetting them.

“We spoke to MAPPA and it went well – they showed us what MAPPA do and there is a lot of money involved in checking offenders. The police have provided us with a community liaison officer so if we have any concern or are holding protests we can let the police know. What we were finding was they were sending the full mob out with armed response units from Glasgow for maybe 10 people.

“Our long-term aim is updating the law with longer sentences – and when it comes to rehousing offenders they should be 100 or 200 metres away from a school or a playparks. We’re looking for help with taking it to Parliament. If anyone would help support us it would be appreciated.”

“I got into the hunting community about four years ago as a decoy for teams in England, then about two years ago created Team Shades. We’re one of the most popular teams in Scotland and we will continue to do what we do and stick by the law.”

MAPPA Coordinator Alan Woods said: “The purpose of the meeting was to increase the group’s awareness and understanding of the measures which are in place to keep communities safe. The group was given a detailed account of how MAPPA works to achieve this and how robust risk assessment processes are carried out to identify those individuals who present a greater risk of harm to the public. The group was encouraged to consider the MAPPA process and any potential impact which local gatherings or demonstrations can have on increasing risk in the community.

“The information seemed to be well received which was a similar outcome from recent sessions with elected members across Ayrshire.”