Kerb-crawlers face having their vehicles seized in a new crackdown on street prostitution in Bradford.

Police have vowed to use powers of confiscation under legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The move forms part of the Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Together campaign running in the Bradford district.

Sergeant Tom Casey, of the Bradford South vice team, said officers were able to link kerb crawlers’ driving directly to the offence, under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: “The act of kerb crawling, for instance, often walks hand in hand with inconsiderate driving or driving without due care or attention. This enables us to issue a warning notice, which if flouted allows us to seize the occupant’s vehicle.

“The benefits of this are clear, as it creates an instant hurdle for the perpetrators and removes the opportunity for them to re-offend. By targeting the individuals who create the demand we can begin to break down the cycle of prostitution and the anti- social behaviour which comes with it.

“These powers are therefore a useful additional tool in our continued crackdown and will compliment the ongoing work with our partners across the district.”

The Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is working to tackle kerb-crawling through Bluetooth technology.

Officers are using equipment that enables them to send out multiple messages to mobile phones in any given area.

NPT Inspector Richard Baildon said: “The Bluetooth messages encourage people to report kerb-crawling and also underline the consequences of these actions. Not only is prostitution damaging to the women involved, but also to local businesses and residents. We recognise, however, the many layers involved in tackling this issue and we are working hard to address each of them.

“For many years the police in Bradford have worked closely with partner agencies and local faith groups to tackle the root causes of the sex trade, such as drink and drug dependency. This work remains ongoing and we are seeing a number of success stories as a result. If it is just one woman we can help, then that is one fewer on the streets and potentially at risk.”