More than a dozen kerb crawlers slapped with fines following police crackdown
Kerb crawlers have been hit with hefty fines following a West Midlands Police crackdown in response to community concerns.
The force has carried out regular operations in Ladywood, Birmingham, using both a visible presence and plain clothes police.
In the last three months 13 people admitted have been snared while a further suspect is set to stand trial.
Nine of the men who were convicted at court were slapped with fines and costs of more than £1,000 each, while four men admitted the offence and were referred to an education course costing £300 - which sees two thirds of its income invested back into community projects.
Sgt Steve Lloyd-Warren, from Ladywood neighbouring police team, said: "We fully understand residents do not want this type of behaviour on their doorstep and we are committed to tackling this issue in a hotspot area.
"We carry out regular operations to catch kerb crawlers - the majority of which we have found to be aged in their mid-20s to 30s.
"We can pursue court action against offenders or refer them to an education course; just two per cent of those who attend the course go on to re-offend.
"Sex workers are risking their own health and safety on the streets and we also work to steer them away from such behaviour.
"Those found soliciting are referred to a project offering sexual health and educational advice around the risks of being a sex worker. But if they are repeatedly found plying for business on the street they can be taken to court as a last resort."
