08/03/2010
Kerb-Crawlers 'Bumped'
Cruising for a prostitute is to be officially outlawed.
New legislation which gives the police greater powers to tackle kerb-crawlers and introduces a new offence of paying for sex with a prostitute subject to exploitative conduct has been revealed.
Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins MP has today announced the measures that are part of UK-wide legislation in the Policing and Crime Act 2009.
These new powers, which come into force on 1 April, strengthen the Government’s strategy in tackling prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Paul Goggins said: "Men who pay for sex with a woman who is exploited by force, deception or threats will no longer be able to use the excuse 'I did not know' – they will face up to £1,000 fine and will have a criminal record.
"Dealing with human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable women is a high priority and part of the Government's strategy for tackling the demand for prostitution. These tough new laws will bring greater protection to those who are subjected to exploitative conduct.
"These new measures will also give the police more powers as they no longer have to prove that kerb-crawlers, either in a vehicle or on foot, are being persistent before arresting them," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
New legislation which gives the police greater powers to tackle kerb-crawlers and introduces a new offence of paying for sex with a prostitute subject to exploitative conduct has been revealed.
Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins MP has today announced the measures that are part of UK-wide legislation in the Policing and Crime Act 2009.
These new powers, which come into force on 1 April, strengthen the Government’s strategy in tackling prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Paul Goggins said: "Men who pay for sex with a woman who is exploited by force, deception or threats will no longer be able to use the excuse 'I did not know' – they will face up to £1,000 fine and will have a criminal record.
"Dealing with human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable women is a high priority and part of the Government's strategy for tackling the demand for prostitution. These tough new laws will bring greater protection to those who are subjected to exploitative conduct.
"These new measures will also give the police more powers as they no longer have to prove that kerb-crawlers, either in a vehicle or on foot, are being persistent before arresting them," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 July 2023
New Powers To Tackle Illicit Tobacco Market
With more than 27 million illicit cigarettes and 7,500kg of hand-rolling tobacco seized in the first two years of Operation CeCe, new powers have been announced to help tackle the illicit tobacco market and reduce tobacco duty fraud.
New Powers To Tackle Illicit Tobacco Market
With more than 27 million illicit cigarettes and 7,500kg of hand-rolling tobacco seized in the first two years of Operation CeCe, new powers have been announced to help tackle the illicit tobacco market and reduce tobacco duty fraud.
01 October 2009
New Powers Will Tackle Minor Crimes
New police powers will cut down on the number of cases handled by the Northern Ireland courts, it has been claimed. Revised legislation is set to give officers the right to issue more on-the-spot fines and cautions for minor offences. It is believed the move will reduce the amount of paperwork constables have to produce.
New Powers Will Tackle Minor Crimes
New police powers will cut down on the number of cases handled by the Northern Ireland courts, it has been claimed. Revised legislation is set to give officers the right to issue more on-the-spot fines and cautions for minor offences. It is believed the move will reduce the amount of paperwork constables have to produce.
18 March 2026
PSNI Expands Focus to Tackle Child Criminal Exploitation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has marked CE Awareness Day by announcing an expanded strategic focus designed to address Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) alongside Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The move reaffirms the Service's commitment to safeguarding children from all forms of organised abuse and trafficking.
PSNI Expands Focus to Tackle Child Criminal Exploitation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has marked CE Awareness Day by announcing an expanded strategic focus designed to address Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) alongside Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The move reaffirms the Service's commitment to safeguarding children from all forms of organised abuse and trafficking.
16 January 2026
Executive Approves Next Steps For Non-Domestic RHI Scheme Shut Down
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a decision by the Executive to approve her proposals for the formal closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The move marks a definitive step in fulfilling the commitment made under the New Decade, New Approach agreement to wind down the programme.
Executive Approves Next Steps For Non-Domestic RHI Scheme Shut Down
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a decision by the Executive to approve her proposals for the formal closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The move marks a definitive step in fulfilling the commitment made under the New Decade, New Approach agreement to wind down the programme.
20 January 2023
Mivan Creates 100 New Jobs
Northern Ireland fit out specialist Mivan has announced a major recruitment drive following a host of new orders. The Antrim-based firm will create 100 new jobs, with the first Recruitment Open Day taking place on Saturday 28 January from 10am to 3pm at Mivan's headquarters in Antrim.
Mivan Creates 100 New Jobs
Northern Ireland fit out specialist Mivan has announced a major recruitment drive following a host of new orders. The Antrim-based firm will create 100 new jobs, with the first Recruitment Open Day taking place on Saturday 28 January from 10am to 3pm at Mivan's headquarters in Antrim.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.