Acpo: Strategy shows way forward for tackling prostitution

Tuesday, 17, Jan 2006 12:00

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) has welcomed the government's new strategy for tackling prostitution.

Under plans published today, there will be a crackdown on those soliciting prostitution with a greater enforcement of penalties against kerb crawlers.

There will also be an emphasis on greater partnership between police and charities to help women out of prostitution.

Prostitution spokesman Tim Brain said the strategy "provides a much needed focus and sense of direction".

He added: "In order to impact positively on a trade which blights the quality of life of both individuals and communities and is invariably linked to illegal drugs and organised crime, it is vital that sex markets are disrupted.

"The best ways to achieve this are to invoke measures to ensure people, especially the young, do not get into prostitution and to provide the necessary support to help those already involved to get out."