TOUGHER sanctions on kerb crawlers have led to a reduction in the number of prostitutes working in Ipswich's red light district, a top policeman today claimed.
TOUGHER sanctions on kerb crawlers have led to a reduction in the number of prostitutes working in Ipswich's red light district, a top policeman today claimed.
Chief inspector Bruce Robinson, the town's district commander, believes the force have succeeded in cutting the demand by clamping down on those who buy sex on the street.
He said the force was working with 11 sex workers who want to leave the prostitution industry.
His comments come after police revealed 51 men had been arrested since a strategic crackdown on prostitution was launched on March 19.
He said: “We are making life more difficult for kerb crawlers.
“These arrests show we have been active and they reassure the community.
“There have been some pretty high profile kerb crawling cases recently and we have taken the same robust course of action in each.
“Our role is about reducing demand and we are putting lots of resources into this. As a result, the numbers of girls on the streets is reducing, too.
“We are making life more difficult for these women, but we are providing them with support to exit their lifestyle.”
Ch insp Robinson said kerb crawling re-offending rates were low, highlighting that of the 51 men arrested, most were first time offenders.
Regular overt street patrols had reassured the community and provided officers with an opportunity to collect intelligence, he added, while covert work had centred on the arrest of punters.
Around 23 sex workers have been identified as being particularly vulnerable, 11 of whom police and partner agencies are working closely with.
The information gathered is being shared with neighbouring forces so that a broader picture can be built.
He said: “My team have worked really hard but we will remain vigilant in terms of kerb crawlers.
“Clearly for Ipswich this is a very important issue.
“Kerb crawling is a risk-taking activity, but why people still come to Ipswich when we have all the publicity, I don't know.”
n Is enough being done to stop prostitution in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here