Kerb crawlers to attend seminars on sex trade

Kerb crawlers caught by police as part of a major clampdown are to attend a rehabilitation seminar rather than be dragged through the courts.

Police in Hull have arrested more than 50 people during the two-week operation in the city centre.

Women police officers posed as prostitutes to attract unsuspecting men.

All those arrested are being conditionally cautioned and sent on a day-long course, which they have to pay for, so they can understand the wider implications of their involvement with the sex trade.

Detective Chief Inspector Alastair O'Neil of Humberside Police explained: "It has not been our intention to seek convictions but to ensure these offenders are put through a rehabilitation programme.

"We want kerb crawlers to understand the damage they are causing.

"We are not here to name and shame offenders, but to change their behaviour."

Police are also urging kerb crawlers to stay away from the city centre or face arrest as part of the zero tolerance approach.

The operation was prompted by complaints from residents over anti-social behaviour associated with street prostitution.