08/03/2010

Crackdown On 'Curb Crawlers'

Men caught picking up prostitutes on the street will now face arrest on their first offence.

The Home Office said the clampdown is aimed at tackling the demand for paid-for sex.

From 1 April, police will no longer having to show kerb-crawlers are 'persistent' before arresting them.

A new poster campaign was also launched today, warning of the criminal penalties involved in paying for sex with someone who has been exploited.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said the new measures build on the significant action already taken to tackle prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

"They will help bring greater protection to vulnerable people involved in prostitution," he said.

A new strict liability offence has also being introduced to make it illegal to pay for sexual services with a prostitute who is subject to exploitative conduct.

It will no longer be an excuse to say ‘I did not know’ and men who ignore this risk a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record.

Courts will be given the power to close down premises associated with certain prostitution and pornography offences.

A new penalty will be introduced for the offence of loitering or soliciting for the purposes of prostitution.

The law has also be changed to amend the term 'common prostitute' as this term is viewed as outdated and offensive.

(PR/BmcC)

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