Southend's police chief has spoken out against Government moves to decriminalise prostitution.
Chief supt Mick Thwaites was not impressed with Home Secretary David Blunkett's proposals, which are expected to include licensed brothels and tolerance zones for street prostitution.
He said: "You have to remember 80 to 90 per cent of prostitutes are involved one way or another with Class A drugs, so allowing them to operate legally would be ploughing money straight to drug dealers. Organised crime is also heavily involved with prostitution."
Speaking of tolerance zones, where it would be legal for street prostitutes to operate, he said: "It might seem like a good idea but where are they going to be situated? Even if they are in non-residential areas, these zones are likely to be around reputable businesses which are not going to accept prostitutes. These things are easily said but much harder to put into practice."
The controversial plans are expected to be presented in a major new consultation document.
Published Monday July 19, 2004
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