PROSTITUTES and kerb-crawlers who plague Burnley streets were last night targeted in a major police operation.

Plain clothes and uniformed officers swooped on sex workers and punters in ‘hot spots’ in the Daneshouse, Stoneyholme and Bank Hall areas.

The activity was organised after residents complained about prostitutes touting for business and performing sex acts just yards from their homes.

They told police that kerb-crawlers also cruised the streets on the lookout for working girls.

It was the latest disruptive action by police aiming to win the war on prostitution in the town.

Officers said those arrested for prostitution would be referred to partner agencies for treatment and support as they seek to implement a long-term solution to the problem.

Last night police patrolled areas of Colne Road, Ormerod Road, Barden Lane and Church Street.

Police haved warned that anyone found kerb-crawling will be arrested and motorists acting suspicious will have warning letters sent by police to their homes.

When someone is prosecuted for kerb-crawling, police can apply for an order which would see them disqualified from driving.

Sergeant Carole Langhorn, of Burnley Police, hailed last night’s action - the latest phase of Operation Kerb - a major success.

She said: “This is something we take very seriously.

"It is an issue that has been raised a number of times by residents at police and communities together (PACT) meetings and this action reassures those people that we are addressing their concerns.

“Residents have contacted us about this issue and the anti-social behaviour attached to it.

"Finding used syringes and condoms isn’t nice for people living in these areas and we want to show them we are doing our best to crackdown on the problem.”

Last October a three-year strategy offering help and assistance to street workers, instead of criminalising them, was launched in Lancashire.

Since then, 18 people have been arrested on suspicion of prostitution or kerb-crawling in the town.

Police said five women had left prostitution, another five had been placed in treatment programmes and three had moved out of the area.

In Burnley, police, NHS East Lancashire and Burnley Council have co-ordinated efforts under the Triangle Project.

Prostitutes are offered help with any social, drugs or alcohol problems, while kerb crawlers are offered the chance of a conditional caution, and a three-hour education course, rather than a criminal record.

Sgt Langhorn said the women arrested last night were taken to Burnley Police Station, where they could speak to an outreach worker.

She said: “We can get engagement orders through the court which force the girls to get treatment for drugs or alcohol issues.

“If they are given a fine they end up working on the streets even more to pay it off, so it defeats the object.

“This is a longer term solution to getting people off the streets.”

To report any anti-social behaviour, including prostitution, call police on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.