Police may seize cars of drivers who trawl for vice

PERSISTENT kerbcrawlers who flock to a Yorkshire city’s red light areas could face having their cars seized if they ignore police advice to keep away.

Men are continuing to drive to Bradford from across the North in search of encounters with prostitutes, but West Yorkshire Police chiefs are seeking new ways of discouraging kerbcrawling.

In recent months officers in Bradford South have been targeting persistent kerbcrawlers, handing 102 men Acceptable Behaviour Contracts as well as issuing 42 cautions and charging another 16 with soliciting women.

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Officers are hoping to embarrass some of those caught in the net by making them sign contracts promising to stay away.

The latest tool, which is normally reserved for those misusing quad bikes and motorbikes, could see kerbcrawlers losing their vehicles. Several warnings have been issued but, to date, no-one has lost their car.

A police spokesman said if warning notices are breached then the vehicle would be seized.

Sergeant Tom Casey, of the Bradford South Vice Team, hopes the new approach will deter people from offending.

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He said: “We realised there was a potential to utilise legislation under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act which relates to the manner of an individual’s driving.

“The act of kerb crawling, for instance, often walks hand in hand with inconsiderate driving or driving without due care or attention.

“This therefore enables us to issue a warning notice, which if flouted allows us to seize the occupants vehicle.

“The benefits of this are clear, as it creates an instant hurdle for the perpetrators and removes the opportunity for them to re-offend.

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“By targeting the individuals who create the demand we can begin to break down the cycle of prostitution and the anti-social behaviour which comes with it.

“These powers are therefore a useful additional tool in our continued crackdown and will compliment the ongoing work with our partners across the district.”

The Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team are also working to address kerb crawling through Bluetooth wireless technology.

Officers are using equipment which enables them to send out multiple messages to mobile phones in any given area.

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Local policing team Inspector Richard Baildon said the public was also being encouraged to report kerb crawling.

He added: “The Bluetooth messages encourage people to report kerb crawling and also underline the consequences of these actions.

“Not only is prostitution damaging to the women involved, but also to local businesses and residents.

“We recognise, however, the many layers involved in tackling this issue and we are working hard to address each of them.

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“For many years the police in Bradford have worked closely with partner agencies and local faith groups to tackle the root causes of the sex trade, such as drink and drug dependency.

“This work remains ongoing and we are seeing a number of success stories as a result. If it is just one woman we can help, then that is one less on the streets and potentially at risk.

“This contributes to a positive effect on levels of anti-social behaviour in an area and also perceptions of crime.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed men given acceptable behaviour contracts were getting the message.

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He said: “Between January 2011 and December 2011 only two per cent of those issued with acceptable behaviour contracts went on to commit a repeat offence. The evidence is that only a small minority go on to carry out further offences.”

He suggested that the “embarrassment factor” may be playing a part in encouraging men to stay away from red light zones.

Those who are spotted cruising in red light areas can expect to receive letters from West Yorkshire Police and, if they persist with the behaviour, it can lead to a court appearance or the loss of their vehicle.