Crime tsar praises high-visibility operation to curb street prostitution

POLICE have launched a crackdown on prostitution and kerb-crawling in Doncaster after a 
series of complaints from residents.

As part of the operation the Thorne Road area of the town, nine people have so far been cautioned for loitering, two people have been cautioned for kerb crawling and 22 warnings have been issued.

A 29-year-old woman has also been fined £210 by magistrates in Doncaster after pleading guilty to loitering for the purposes of prostitution.

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A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said yesterday that officers had received a number of reports from residents about “street prostitution and the associated issues” in the area of Thorne Road.

The force spokesman added: “As a result of these reports, officers from the Intake and Wheatley Safer Neighbourhood Team have been completing high-visibility patrols in an effort to tackle the issues.

“Over the last few weeks officers have been patrolling the Thorne Road area on a regular basis. These patrols have been supported by neighbourhood response team officers, special constables and CCTV operators.”

South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Shaun Wright, commended the operation amid hopes that it will help prevent problems in the future.

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He said: “I recently met with the Chief Constable to talk about the issues surrounding street prostitution in Doncaster, after hearing concerns from residents at a meeting I attended. I am pleased that the police have now taken positive measures.”

Inspector Carl Lindlay said that police in the area will “continue to tackle this issue as a priority”.

He added: “We are committed to increased patrols and will continue to work with a number of support agencies to offer support to women involved in this type of crime.”

Two more women, aged 19 and 42, who were arrested during the operation are set to appear at Doncaster Magistrates Court in the coming weeks.

Residents are being urged to raise concerns at the next Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting at St Andrew’s Church on June 13 at 6.30pm.