Police work with partners to tackle commercial sexual exploitation in Forth Valley

Police Scotland has been working with partners to tackle commercial sexual exploitation in Forth Valley.

As part of Operation Begonia, officers are taking a victim-centred approach to ensure people involved in prostitution are safe and are signposted to appropriate support from partner agencies.

The initiative follows the national campaign launched by Crimestoppers and supported by the Scottish Government.

Following intelligence, we have established there are a significant number of online adverts offering prostitution services in Forth Valley communities.

People involved in prostitution are particularly vulnerable and are more likely to be subject to violent or sexual crimes.

Our approach is focused on the safety and welfare of those involved and identifying either individual perpetrators or crime gangs who pose a threat.

Last week, officers attended 14 addresses in Stirling and Falkirk to carry out welfare checks to those believed to be involved in prostitution.

On Friday, 27 February, officers, acting under warrant, attended an address in the Stirling area in relation to brothel keeping. A number of items were recovered and active enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Michelle Findlay said: “Our focus is the health and welfare of people involved in prostitution and we are working alongside partners to support them and ensure they are safe from harm.

“We are committed to tackling the threat, harm and risk prostitution brings to people and communities, and we want to encourage local people to report any concerns to officers or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“This is about building trust and confidence in policing. It’s about safer communities and supporting victims. And it’s about tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms.

“Following our activity this week, active enquiries remain ongoing and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to contact officers, report via 101, or contact Crimestoppers.”

Further information on the Crimestoppers campaign can be found here, as can the Scottish Government’s signposts to support here.