A SENIOR police officer has reassured Bournemouth residents that the force is taking the prostitution problem seriously.

Chief Superintendent Mike Glanville told the AGM of Bournemouth East Neigh-bourhood Watch Association that police can only take action when they have firm evidence of soliciting.

His comments follow the Echo's front page story on how Dorset Police has halted a major prostitution ring as part of a "major crackdown" on Bournemouth's sex trade industry.

Chief Supt Glanville said: "I think the police have done a tremendous amount to tackle street prostitution but we have got to be realistic about what we can achieve.

"We do target the kerb crawlers and have launched operations such as Operation Planet to tackle street prostitution in the area.

"We do take it seriously. It is linked to the drugs market. A lot of street workers have got quite severe crack cocaine and heroin problems."

Crime reduction officer PC Keith Bunn, acting chairman of the meeting, said the members of the public at the meeting felt that there was a lot more that Neighbourhood Watch and BENWA could do for the local area.

"They have concerns about anti-social behaviour including graffiti and dwelling burglaries.

"In the new constitution we will have the ability to impact on crime and disorder in the Boscombe policing area and obtain funding to achieve the aims and objectives of the constitution - the main objective being to reduce crime and disorder and reduce fear of crime for people who live and work in Boscombe."

First published: May 26