Six cautioned and one arrested in Wolverhampton prostitution crackdown
Six sex workers have been cautioned and one kerb crawler has been arrested after police launched a crackdown on prostitution in an area on the outskirts of Wolverhampton city centre.
The St Peters and Park neighbourhood police team have stepped up patrols around Newhampton Road and West Park after a rise in complaints relating to prostitution in recent months.
Sergeant Kevin Whitehouse said officers had attended specialist training to bring them up to speed with current legislation in a bid to tackle the problem head on.
Under new laws sex workers can receive two cautions before they are put through the courts system and referred to other agencies for support.
Sgt Whitehouse added: "We have responded to evidence of an increase in this type of behaviour having received complaints from members of the public that tie in with what our officers have seen whilst out on patrol.
"This is a two pronged approach focusing on street sex workers and punters. Sex workers who have already been cautioned twice will be arrested and directed to other agencies that will offer support for issues like drug abuse and try and get them away from the life of crime.
Support agencies open to sex workers in Wolverhampton include drug rehabilitation services like Recovery Near You and Changing Lanes.
Sgt Whitehouse added: "Kerb crawlers can go through a specialist programme aimed at reducing their offending. The one day programme is geared towards directing them away from using sex workers."
He added that the programme has been a major success nationally, with a re-offending rate of just two per cent.
Meanwhile the St Peters and Park neighbourhood police team are continuing to battle anti-social behaviour in the area.
Last month an off-road bike was seized by officers after reports it had been ridden dangerously in and around Glentworth Gardens during the evenings.
West Midlands police say no one has yet been arrested in connection with the incidents. The crackdown on drugs has also continued in the wake of a number of drug related arrests in recent months.
Sgt Whitehouse added: "The residents of Whitmore Reans have been vocal in their rejection of drugs in their area and we continue to work with local people to make the community a safer and better place to live."
Police are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious or anti-social behaviour in the area to call 101.
