Police say Safe Exit has
been a success

Prostitution in Medway has plummeted after a scheme to
get sex workers off the streets was brought in, police said
today.

The Safe Exit programme was launched last year
to provide support to women trying to get off the game
and tackle crime linked it.

According to Kent Police, more than 80 per cent
of Medway's prostitutes have taken part and there
are now fewer than 20 left.

Women on the scheme can get housing support, drug treatment,
training and educational support.

It was launched last year by Kent Police with the
Medway Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Medway Council and NHS
Medway.

Inspector Gary Woodward, who is leading the project, said:
"Prostitution in Medway has been around for a long time, and up
until 2009 there had been little change into how it was being dealt
with.

"The local community living in areas where prostitution takes
place have been very vocal in their opinions as they are the ones
who are affected by the anti-social behaviour that goes with
it.

"Often they would wake up to find condoms or needles in their
gardens, which is obviously very unpleasant.

"Having surveyed these residents it was clear that we needed to
take action and come up with a new plan to tackle prostitution in
Medway. That's what evolved into Safe Exit.

"Safe Exit is more than just trying to remove the women from
working the streets or move them to another area.

"What we're trying to do is change the behaviours of the women
working, and also change the behaviours of the men who use the
prostitutes."

Phillip Cooper, from the Medway Drug and Alcohol Action Team,
said: "This is not just a quick fix, but we are here for the long
run.

"We believe that by offering the support that these women have
never had we can have a huge positive impact on the illegal sex
trade in Medway."

What do you think? Have you noticed a difference in
Medway or is it just the same as it was? Leave a comment
below.