Kerbcrawlers arrested in Southend's red light district

4:00pm Tuesday 18th December 2012 in Local News

Kerbcrawlers arrested in Southend's red light district Kerbcrawlers arrested in Southend's red light district

KERB-CRAWLERS are being targeted in Southend's red light district as part of a change in tactics by police.

Officers have arrested 19 men in the last month on suspicion of cruising for prostitutes in the Ambleside Drive area.

Instead of the emphasis being on street-walkers, police are turning their attention to punters more in order to try and wipe out their custom.

Sgt Ashley Holland, of Southend police, said: "We have been looking at the kerb crawlers as well as the girls and targeting them, which in the past isn't the approach we've taken. Now we've focused on the demand side of the industry rather than the supply."

All of the men admitted the offence and accepted a police caution, rather than face the embarrassment of a court appearance and criminal record. But this option will not be given to anyone who has already got a criminal history, or cautions for any offence.

They will be charged and put before a court.

In the past, the police have sought to punish the girls using a “three strikes and you're out” method of giving them three cautions before making an arrest.

They have then pursued asbos for the most prolific offenders. But it has been a two-pronged approach as they have also been patrolling with CRI (Community Reduction Initiatives)and SMAART (Southend multiple-agency antisocial behaviour response team) to get the women help to kick their drug habits.

Sgt Holland said: "It's working. We've seen a reduction in the amount of kerb crawlers. We have been receiving a lot of positive feedback in the area."

Residents who asked not to be named had mixed views of the police operation.

One resident in Riveria Drive said: “We do get the occasional women in Riviera Drive but it’s a lot less.

“If they’ve not got customers then they are not going to be hanging around.

“There was a time when they were hanging around at 4pm when the kids were still coming out of school.”

She said she was relieved because in the past her son’s girlfriend, who lives in Ambleside Drive, had been approached by a kerb crawler.

Another resident, also in Rivera Drive, said: "I don't think it's improved. They are still at the top of Ambleside Drive and Riviera Drive, mostly young girls. I only see them when I finish work late. They aren't causing any problems from my point of view. But there are a lot of problems around the train station with selling drugs."

Comments (28)

4:22pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Brunning999 says...

Sorry to say its here, it will not go away, it ain't illegal, and there must be a need.

Legalize it the girls will not be at risk, it will be kept cleaner, and it will generate a taxable income, all that coming and going at street level is horrible!!
Sorry to say its here, it will not go away, it ain't illegal, and there must be a need. Legalize it the girls will not be at risk, it will be kept cleaner, and it will generate a taxable income, all that coming and going at street level is horrible!! Brunning999

4:27pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Rochford Rob says...

'......all that coming and going at street level is horrible.'

Not to mention the mess too.
'......all that coming and going at street level is horrible.' Not to mention the mess too. Rochford Rob

4:27pm Tue 18 Dec 12

chaplins lad says...

Please tell us how many street workers CRI have got off of drugs ? NONE
and they do not patrol at all, they sit and watch and once the girls have been approached by the police, their workers speak to street workers, if they dont want help, they are given free condoms to at least stay safe with the next punter, sadly the short sharp shock treatment works, street workers caught 3 times get prison, and who the hell are SMAART ? street working is illegal so let the police do there jobs, all this money being wasted on drug treatment in Southend and Essex is not working, As for the kerb crawlers, back to the old days when a copper would drop the police caution through their door alerting the family of their hobbies, and letting unsuppecting wifes know they could have STD from their loving hubby ? let the police do there jobs and stop all of these dogooder agencies getting a pat on the head for doing nothing !
Please tell us how many street workers CRI have got off of drugs ? NONE and they do not patrol at all, they sit and watch and once the girls have been approached by the police, their workers speak to street workers, if they dont want help, they are given free condoms to at least stay safe with the next punter, sadly the short sharp shock treatment works, street workers caught 3 times get prison, and who the hell are SMAART ? street working is illegal so let the police do there jobs, all this money being wasted on drug treatment in Southend and Essex is not working, As for the kerb crawlers, back to the old days when a copper would drop the police caution through their door alerting the family of their hobbies, and letting unsuppecting wifes know they could have STD from their loving hubby ? let the police do there jobs and stop all of these dogooder agencies getting a pat on the head for doing nothing ! chaplins lad

4:31pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd says...

More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station.
.
Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town,
But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance.
Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back.
In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place!
.
Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.
More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station. . Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town, But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance. Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back. In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place! . Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay. Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd

4:41pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Carnabackable says...

Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd wrote:
More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station.
.
Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town,
But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance.
Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back.
In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place!
.
Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.
How about attempting to comment on the story concerned, the toms that ply their drug fuelled desire, to make a few quid, for the next score, do so regardless, it is the oldest profession, and as long as there is demand there will be supply.
[quote][p][bold]Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd[/bold] wrote: More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station. . Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town, But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance. Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back. In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place! . Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.[/p][/quote]How about attempting to comment on the story concerned, the toms that ply their drug fuelled desire, to make a few quid, for the next score, do so regardless, it is the oldest profession, and as long as there is demand there will be supply. Carnabackable

4:43pm Tue 18 Dec 12

j-w says...

Carnabackable wrote:
Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd wrote:
More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station.
.
Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town,
But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance.
Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back.
In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place!
.
Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.
How about attempting to comment on the story concerned, the toms that ply their drug fuelled desire, to make a few quid, for the next score, do so regardless, it is the oldest profession, and as long as there is demand there will be supply.
Don't knock him, some of us are still in shock he has managed a post without blaming SBC.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd[/bold] wrote: More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station. . Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town, But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance. Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back. In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place! . Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.[/p][/quote]How about attempting to comment on the story concerned, the toms that ply their drug fuelled desire, to make a few quid, for the next score, do so regardless, it is the oldest profession, and as long as there is demand there will be supply.[/p][/quote]Don't knock him, some of us are still in shock he has managed a post without blaming SBC. j-w

4:48pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Carnabackable says...

j-w wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd wrote:
More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station.
.
Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town,
But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance.
Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back.
In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place!
.
Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.
How about attempting to comment on the story concerned, the toms that ply their drug fuelled desire, to make a few quid, for the next score, do so regardless, it is the oldest profession, and as long as there is demand there will be supply.
Don't knock him, some of us are still in shock he has managed a post without blaming SBC.
Lol
[quote][p][bold]j-w[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd[/bold] wrote: More of a concern is the increasing number of muggings/assaults occuring either side of Southend East (Southchurch Village) Station. . Crime in Southchurch is on the increase due to the criminal fraternity moving their trade outside of Southend town centre due to the number of CCTV and increased patrols within the town, But they know Southchurch is less well covered by surveillance. Proof of this is the armed robbery at Sainsbury's Southchurch road a week or two back. In general Southchurch Road is as bad as London Road afterdark now, not a nice place! . Southend council will only take an interest when it reaches Thorpebay.[/p][/quote]How about attempting to comment on the story concerned, the toms that ply their drug fuelled desire, to make a few quid, for the next score, do so regardless, it is the oldest profession, and as long as there is demand there will be supply.[/p][/quote]Don't knock him, some of us are still in shock he has managed a post without blaming SBC.[/p][/quote]Lol Carnabackable

4:48pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd says...

Thanks for defending me j-w :)

Still got a dig in at SBC though!

Seriously though, Southchurch is rapidly morphing into Westcliff.
Thanks for defending me j-w :) Still got a dig in at SBC though! Seriously though, Southchurch is rapidly morphing into Westcliff. Sir Peter Pantsless the 3rd

4:51pm Tue 18 Dec 12

lonestar_1 says...

Print photo's with the number plate shown for each car caught, it will make far more interesting reading than having to read the same story 2 day's running which happens so often with the echo
Print photo's with the number plate shown for each car caught, it will make far more interesting reading than having to read the same story 2 day's running which happens so often with the echo lonestar_1

5:15pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Carnabackable says...

lonestar_1 wrote:
Print photo's with the number plate shown for each car caught, it will make far more interesting reading than having to read the same story 2 day's running which happens so often with the echo
Why not print all the names of all the posters, whom make comment on the echo forum, would make even better reading...
[quote][p][bold]lonestar_1[/bold] wrote: Print photo's with the number plate shown for each car caught, it will make far more interesting reading than having to read the same story 2 day's running which happens so often with the echo[/p][/quote]Why not print all the names of all the posters, whom make comment on the echo forum, would make even better reading... Carnabackable

6:09pm Tue 18 Dec 12

pussycats says...

lonestar_1 wrote:
Print photo's with the number plate shown for each car caught, it will make far more interesting reading than having to read the same story 2 day's running which happens so often with the echo
Brilliant......all for it. Would make intersting reading, especially if one was to recognise a number plate.
[quote][p][bold]lonestar_1[/bold] wrote: Print photo's with the number plate shown for each car caught, it will make far more interesting reading than having to read the same story 2 day's running which happens so often with the echo[/p][/quote]Brilliant......all for it. Would make intersting reading, especially if one was to recognise a number plate. pussycats

6:40pm Tue 18 Dec 12

reptile says...

(Q) What do you call a prostitute with a runny nose?---------------
--------- (A) Full.
(Q) What do you call a prostitute with a runny nose?--------------- --------- (A) Full. reptile

6:50pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Tone-Fu says...

Brunning999 wrote:
Sorry to say its here, it will not go away, it ain't illegal, and there must be a need.

Legalize it the girls will not be at risk, it will be kept cleaner, and it will generate a taxable income, all that coming and going at street level is horrible!!
Well said.

It needs regulating and decriminalizing to protect both the girls and the community as a whole.

Trying to stop what is rightfully called 'the oldest profession' is like pushing water uphill, and I'm sick of my tax money being used on such a hiding to nothing when it could be put to better use elsewhere.
[quote][p][bold]Brunning999[/bold] wrote: Sorry to say its here, it will not go away, it ain't illegal, and there must be a need. Legalize it the girls will not be at risk, it will be kept cleaner, and it will generate a taxable income, all that coming and going at street level is horrible!![/p][/quote]Well said. It needs regulating and decriminalizing to protect both the girls and the community as a whole. Trying to stop what is rightfully called 'the oldest profession' is like pushing water uphill, and I'm sick of my tax money being used on such a hiding to nothing when it could be put to better use elsewhere. Tone-Fu

7:31pm Tue 18 Dec 12

madmax1 says...

This article reads more like an advert !!! It tells location, says you wont get taken to court and shows a girl who is alright, she certainly does not look like the usual washed up smack heads you get around there.

Well done to Essex Police & the Echo, another great example on why you two should not collaborate on stories.
This article reads more like an advert !!! It tells location, says you wont get taken to court and shows a girl who is alright, she certainly does not look like the usual washed up smack heads you get around there. Well done to Essex Police & the Echo, another great example on why you two should not collaborate on stories. madmax1

7:32pm Tue 18 Dec 12

Nebs says...

Can we take it that the previous initiative was a failure?
http://www.echo-news
.co.uk/news/local_ne
ws/southend/9613078.
New____three_strikes
____policy_to_rid_So
uthend_streets_of_pr
ostitutes/
.
What about Operation Tressle. This was hailed as a success. Bit premature with the congratulations weren't you.
http://www.echo-news
.co.uk/news/local_ne
ws/southend/8786412.
Police_bid_to_drive_
out_prostitutes_hail
ed_a_success/
.
Have they come back from Suffolk yet, or are they still learning, or was it a complete waste of time.
http://www.echo-news
.co.uk/news/local_ne
ws/southend/8247898.
Cops_visit_Suffolk_i
n_prostitute_crackdo
wn/
.
Operation Galaxy didn't do the trick either.
http://www.echo-news
.co.uk/news/local_ne
ws/southend/4037106.
Prostitutes_have_ret
urned_to_our_streets
_once_again/
Can we take it that the previous initiative was a failure? http://www.echo-news .co.uk/news/local_ne ws/southend/9613078. New____three_strikes ____policy_to_rid_So uthend_streets_of_pr ostitutes/ . What about Operation Tressle. This was hailed as a success. Bit premature with the congratulations weren't you. http://www.echo-news .co.uk/news/local_ne ws/southend/8786412. Police_bid_to_drive_ out_prostitutes_hail ed_a_success/ . Have they come back from Suffolk yet, or are they still learning, or was it a complete waste of time. http://www.echo-news .co.uk/news/local_ne ws/southend/8247898. Cops_visit_Suffolk_i n_prostitute_crackdo wn/ . Operation Galaxy didn't do the trick either. http://www.echo-news .co.uk/news/local_ne ws/southend/4037106. Prostitutes_have_ret urned_to_our_streets _once_again/ Nebs

9:50pm Tue 18 Dec 12

InTheKnowOk says...

Might be one of the oldest professions but imagine if it were your 20 year old daughter getting into a car with some codger old enough to be her grandad
Might be one of the oldest professions but imagine if it were your 20 year old daughter getting into a car with some codger old enough to be her grandad InTheKnowOk

4:41am Wed 19 Dec 12

markymark1981 says...

YAWNNN !!! supply and demand sorry !
YAWNNN !!! supply and demand sorry ! markymark1981

5:29am Wed 19 Dec 12

Tone-Fu says...

InTheKnowOk wrote:
Might be one of the oldest professions but imagine if it were your 20 year old daughter getting into a car with some codger old enough to be her grandad
Naturally I'd be appalled. But a 20 year old person has the right to make their own decisions, and I have long since made peace with the fact that I won't like or agree with every decision that every individual makes.

If it were a decision a loved one chose to make i would be slightly less nauseated knowing that they were, at the very least, being protected from harm.
[quote][p][bold]InTheKnowOk[/bold] wrote: Might be one of the oldest professions but imagine if it were your 20 year old daughter getting into a car with some codger old enough to be her grandad[/p][/quote]Naturally I'd be appalled. But a 20 year old person has the right to make their own decisions, and I have long since made peace with the fact that I won't like or agree with every decision that every individual makes. If it were a decision a loved one chose to make i would be slightly less nauseated knowing that they were, at the very least, being protected from harm. Tone-Fu

12:39pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Tom from Southend says...

Legaise it, get it off the streets. Both parties are consenting adults.
Legaise it, get it off the streets. Both parties are consenting adults. Tom from Southend

2:02pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Swanfake says...

They really do need to do something about this, I used to live down Riviera and was approached by Kerb Crawllers on more than one occasion whilst coming home from work late. Not only do they approach you they drive past you and follow you in their cars, it's a dark road as it is and can actually be terryfing. I used to wear flat shoes as soon as i got off the train so i could sprint home. It's upsetting as i was born and raised there so its not nice seeing how down hill it's gone.
They really do need to do something about this, I used to live down Riviera and was approached by Kerb Crawllers on more than one occasion whilst coming home from work late. Not only do they approach you they drive past you and follow you in their cars, it's a dark road as it is and can actually be terryfing. I used to wear flat shoes as soon as i got off the train so i could sprint home. It's upsetting as i was born and raised there so its not nice seeing how down hill it's gone. Swanfake

3:54pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Rich^Carol says...

Well your gonna get my opinion and veiws on this.

I have nothing against women doing this to earn a nice few quid. Not the women that are run by these eastern Europeans gangs. If they are working for themselves then fine.

I see nothing wrong with men paying £20 to £30 to get their quicky with no involvment.

What I do object to is these woman offerring services in residential areas. No I wouldnt like it in Ramsden Heath but if they were street walking in a closed industrial road where there was no houses then that would be fine with me. Also no condoms left about in the road.

But what do I know...
Well your gonna get my opinion and veiws on this. I have nothing against women doing this to earn a nice few quid. Not the women that are run by these eastern Europeans gangs. If they are working for themselves then fine. I see nothing wrong with men paying £20 to £30 to get their quicky with no involvment. What I do object to is these woman offerring services in residential areas. No I wouldnt like it in Ramsden Heath but if they were street walking in a closed industrial road where there was no houses then that would be fine with me. Also no condoms left about in the road. But what do I know... Rich^Carol

4:50pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kng says...

check out a website called adultwork.

theres loads of local girls on there catering for all your needs in the southend westcliff and leigh areas.
as long as they are working alone and not causing a breach of the peace its totally legal.no need to kerb crawl guys.
check out a website called adultwork. theres loads of local girls on there catering for all your needs in the southend westcliff and leigh areas. as long as they are working alone and not causing a breach of the peace its totally legal.no need to kerb crawl guys. kng

7:03pm Wed 19 Dec 12

EssexPerson says...

I werent kerb crawling, I was simply asking for directions....honest gov!
I werent kerb crawling, I was simply asking for directions....honest gov! EssexPerson

7:44pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Carnabackable says...

EssexPerson wrote:
I werent kerb crawling, I was simply asking for directions....honest gov!
Trouble is you only live round the corner !
[quote][p][bold]EssexPerson[/bold] wrote: I werent kerb crawling, I was simply asking for directions....honest gov![/p][/quote]Trouble is you only live round the corner ! Carnabackable

1:15pm Thu 20 Dec 12

Nebs says...

I like the idea of leaving the girls alone to get with their work, and just concentrating on the kerbcrawlers. Perhaps this type of policing could be extended to other forms of criminal activity. How about leaving burglars to steal whatever they like, and just go after the people who buy the stolen goods. Let the drug dealers grow, import, and sell their drugs, and just prosecute the users.
I like the idea of leaving the girls alone to get with their work, and just concentrating on the kerbcrawlers. Perhaps this type of policing could be extended to other forms of criminal activity. How about leaving burglars to steal whatever they like, and just go after the people who buy the stolen goods. Let the drug dealers grow, import, and sell their drugs, and just prosecute the users. Nebs

4:23pm Thu 20 Dec 12

MilesBond says...

One word: AIDS
One word: AIDS MilesBond

6:22pm Thu 20 Dec 12

Carnabackable says...

MilesBond wrote:
One word: AIDS
Exactly, though a recent poll showed 90% of men who go with a prositute are married, have a hard day at the office dear??
[quote][p][bold]MilesBond[/bold] wrote: One word: AIDS[/p][/quote]Exactly, though a recent poll showed 90% of men who go with a prositute are married, have a hard day at the office dear?? Carnabackable

8:42am Fri 21 Dec 12

theblackkeys says...

All you men who use their 'service' are DISGUSTING
All you men who use their 'service' are DISGUSTING theblackkeys

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