EDMONTON – An undercover operation in Edmonton’s northeast last week led to more than a dozen prostitution-related charges.
On July 16 and 17, detectives with Edmonton Police Service’s VICE section targeted neighbourhoods where residents had complained about seeing people cruising for sex.
Acting Staff Sergeant David Schening with the EPS Vice Section says there tends to be an increase in that type of behaviour during the warmer summer months.
“We know that this kind of traffic creates concerns regarding safety, crime and disorder in the community,” he said.
“Street level prostitution in any community, it brings in the demand side, the johns. That brings people driving around, that brings in the other problems that are associated to the sex trade like the drug distribution.”
Over the course of the two-night operation, 15 people were taken into custody. Twenty charges were laid, including 15 charges of communicating for the purpose of prostitution.
Police also seized 12 vehicles, which happens whenever the vehicle is used in the commission of the suspected offence.
READ MORE: Prostitution laws around the world
“Police will continue to focus enforcement on those who exploit the vulnerable, and will be out there with our community partners to offer support and exit strategies to sex workers as appropriate,” said Schening.
You can “Report a John” online or by calling the police’s complaint line (780-423-4567).
Comments