Kerb crawlers on therapy course

A course to change the behaviour of men caught kerb crawling is being introduced by Leicestershire Police.

Under the scheme men who are who are arrested on suspicion of kerb crawling for the first time will have the option to attend the one-day course.

The conditions are that they pay £200 to attend and agree not to visit specified areas associated with prostitution for six months.

The course must be attended within three months.

Health awareness

Leicestershire Police said all money raised as a result of the rehabilitation course will go to charity to support women involved in street prostitution.

Det Sgt Ed McBryde-Wilding from Leicestershire Constabulary said: "Similar schemes have been run by police forces elsewhere in the country and have proved successful with less than five per cent of men re-offending after attending the course.

"It is certainly not an easy alternative to appearing in court. The content of the course is very hard hitting.

"The day includes a presentation about sexual health and the risks involved and will challenge the men to look at the affects that their behaviour can have on themselves, their partners, their family and the community."