Top Redbridge police officer says prostitution arrests show ‘robust action’
Ma'm Mandy Beacher is the new borough comander for Redbridge - Credit: Archant
Redbridge’s top police officer has described the high number of prostitute arrests and cautions in the borough as evidence of “robust action”.
A freedom of information request showed Redbridge police had cautioned the highest number of women for soliciting in the capital – 639 between 2013 and 2015.
It also showed they had arrested the most punters for paying for prostitutes, 106 arrests out of London’s total of 234.
The majority of local forces had not arrested anyone for this offence.
Borough commander Ch Supt Mandy Beacher told the Recorder these figures were “indicative of robust action being taken”.
She said: “It also shows the correct use of procedure as prostitute cautions are issued on two occasions before arrest takes place on the third occasion of soliciting.”
In that period only three prostitutes were arrested.
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Ch Supt Beacher also said the statistics did not necessarily mean Ilford Lane – Redbridge’s red light district – is the largest in London.
“The comparison to other boroughs is not necessarily indicative of any failure or heightened risk as other boroughs may deem other matters to be more of a priority over prostitution,” she explained.
The borough commander praised the Enforcement and Exit strategy, with Redbridge Council, which helps women find routes out of prostitution.
She added: “We continue to work closely with our partners and carry out regular operations.”
