Kerb-crawling crime doubles in two years

Published on Wednesday 6 April 2011 16:43

THE number of men charged by police after trawling the Capital's streets for prostitutes has almost doubled in two years, new figures show.

&#149 The number of women charged with soliciting in the Capital has risen from 32 to 52 since 2008

The rise follows the introduction of new legislation which came into force in 2007 to help clamp down on street prostitution in Scotland's cities.

A total of 42 men were charged under kerb-crawling laws in Edinburgh last year, compared with just 23 in 2008.

The number of women charged with soliciting during the same period rose from 32 to 52.

Last year, residents in Leith Links, the traditional haunt for many of the city's prostitutes, said it was now "very rare" to see sex workers in the area.

However, there were warnings today that the issue remains, with some residents considering moves to restart local street patrols.

Prostitute support workers have also warned that women have been driven to more isolated locations due to the legislation, leaving them more at risk.

They also said the type of men who were undeterred by the new kerb-crawling laws were more likely to be a danger.

Last week, prostitution was identified as one of the reasons why nearly two-thirds of Leith residents said they felt "unsafe" in parts of their area.

Councillor Gordon Munro said: "I think these figures are an indication of the demand that there is for the service.

"I know Leith Links Residents' Association is considering starting street patrols again because of an increase in activity in Salamander Street.

"These figures indicate that the scale of the problem is just beginning to be understood. I welcome the powers the police have and I think they are the only way we will be able to change the street scene."

However, the Scottish Prostitutes Education Project (Scot-Pep) says the 2007 legislation has worsened the already "dire situation" for sex workers.

The organisation estimates there are still around 80 to 100 women working the streets in the Capital, with attacks happening on a nightly basis.

A police spokesman said: "The introduction of legislation prohibiting kerb crawling has been vigorously enforced by Lothian and Borders Police and our proactive approach is reflected in the continued rise in the number of people charged with this offence.

"We will continue to enforce this legislation through targeted patrolling by our Safer Neighbourhood Teams, with the aim of enhancing the safety and security of everyone who lives and works in the local community.

"At the same time, we will continue to work with partners to assist people in finding routes out of prostitution."