In an effort to curtail the growing problem of prostitution on Bluefield Avenue, city police are targeting both the prostitutes and the men who solicit them.
An undercover sting operation last week resulted in the arrest of eight men on charges of solicitation of prostitution.
While prostitutes continue to be arrested by the Bluefield Police Department, authorities also continue to receive additional complaints about prostitution in the city. That’s why officials decided to conduct the undercover operation, according to Bluefield Police Chief Joe Wilson.
Wilson said the undercover operation was completed over a two-day period with the help of a cooperating individual. During the sting, Wilson said the woman was solicited for prostitution eight times. As a result, eight men were arrested. During the last three months, Wilson said police have arrested another 12 individuals on charges of prostitution. Wilson hopes last week’s undercover operation can be used as another tool in the ongoing efforts by authorities to curtail prostitution.
We urge Wilson to continue an active crackdown on prostitution. Prostitution can not and must not be allowed to continue on Bluefield Avenue, or any other location in the city.
Crimes such as prostitution devalue a community.
They can give a good community a bad name. The city of Bluefield is is known for its quality of life. We are a quiet, clean and pleasant community. We are Nature’s Air-Conditioned City.
Something we are not, and cannot become, is a venue for prostitution. We cannot and will not tolerate such illegal activity in our city.
City residents, and elected officials, should be outraged over the reports of prostitution in Bluefield. As a community, we must demand better.
We must send a message that is loud and clear. If you are a prostitute, or if you solicit a prostitute, you will be arrested and charged. Your name will appear in the newspaper. Your photograph may end up in the newspaper or on television. You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
We urge law enforcement officials across the region to continue an active investigation of all undesirable activities in our region, including those crimes involving drugs and prostitution.
We must do everything in our power to clean up our streets.
Editorials
August 29, 2010
Prostitution: Police crackdown welcome
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