Hampshire Constabulary: Police hand out more than £3000 raised from kerb crawlers to good causes

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Police hand out more than £3000 raised from kerb crawlers to good causes

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Published: 28/07/2009

Southampton’s Vice Team have handed out £3256 in grants to two local organisations from money raised by a course they run for kerb crawlers.

Working with other local agencies the ‘Change Course’ is aimed at those caught by the Vice Team kerb crawling for the first time in the area of Southampton used by street prostitutes. Instead of ending up in court those caught may be given the chance to go on the course. Importantly they have to pay to go on the one day course. It tells them about the lives of the women involved in prostitution and the potential consequences of picking up street prostitution and the danger they are putting themselves in.

This was pioneered in Southampton and has proved very successful and is now in use in other parts of the country. As well as stopping many men from kerb crawling again some surplus money is raised above the cost of running the course.

The Vice Team led by Sergeant Belinda D’Orsey uses this money to help worthy organisation directly in and around the area affected by prostitution.

£3000 has now been given to the Hampshire Deaf Association in St Mary’s, Southampton – they support and assist those with hearing difficulties in the county providing such services as interpreting services and mentoring.

The money has been given to them to spend on whatever equipment they wish. They have decided to use some to help improve their image and get there message out about their work to more people. The rest will be used on important equipment they need.

Chief Executive of the Hampshire Deaf Association, Liz Jones said: “The grant of £3000 from the Vice Team at Hampshire Constabulary was unexpected and pleasantly received, especially during the current financial climate where every penny counts!

“It is unfortunate that we have been burgled a number of times over the last couple of years which has a devastating effect on our staff and volunteers. This grant will enable us to move forward with our plans to more professionally promote the valuable work of the association”.

A further £256 has also been hand out to the Mount Pleasant Junior School in St Mary’s to buy new cricket equipment.

Sergeant Belinda D’Orsey said: “It’s been lovely to be able to hand out this money raised by our successful ‘Change Course’ to the Hampshire Deaf Association and the school.

“It means some of those who have helped fuel prostitution in the part of the city used by street prostitutes have not only learnt a valuable lesson by attending the course but have now also put something back into the community directly effected by what they have been doing.”

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