Vancouver police have issued a warning about three high-risk sex offenders that have recently moved into the area.

James Leo Gracie, Mervin Lynn Walkus and Joseph Neil Johnny all recently completed their sentences and are currently residing at halfway houses.

Const. Jana McGuinness said although current privacy laws prevent police from publicizing the addresses of high-risk offenders, the department issues warnings to keep the community informed with the most up-to-date information.

"When people learn of these disturbing notifications they naturally become very concerned and want to know more about where these offenders are going to live," she said.

"As public safety is the VPD's priority, the Department has a very experienced and high profile High Risk Offender Unit that tracks these offenders once they are back in the community."

All three of the men are considered to pose a risk to the public and have been convicted of sex-related offenses against women, children and the elderly.

Fifty-year-old James Leo Gracie has an extensive history of convictions involving children both known and unknown to him.

His release conditions include staying away from sex trade workers and not using drugs or alcohol.

He is described as white, 6-1, 170 lbs. with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a tattoo of a rattlesnake and "Slim Jim" on his right forearm and a heart with leaves on his left arm.

The Correctional Service of Canada has assessed Mervin Lynn Walkus as a high risk to re-offend sexually.

The 32-year-old is described as Aboriginal, 5-1, with black hair and brown eyes. He is ordered to abstain from drinking any alcohol.

Police say Joseph Neil Johnny, 37, poses a risk of significant harm to the safety of males and females of all ages in the City of Vancouver.

Johnny has had several sex-related convictions, involving both male and female victims and ranging in age from five to 89-years-old.

He is described as Aboriginal, 5-6, with a scar on his forehead.

All three men are prohibited from being anywhere children are reasonably expected to be present.

Anyone witnessing any of these offenders in violation of any of these conditions is asked to contact their local police department.