To Strathcona Block Watches: As anyone can see from the number of discarded condoms all over the neighbourhood, the sex trade has exploded hereabouts in the past couple of months or so. Women are now soliciting around the school again on Pender and on the north side of Maclean Park. It's probable that pressure from pimps and other prostitutes is driving some sex trade workers away from Strathcona's commercial areas.
Quite obviously this is unacceptable in a residential area but the VPD vice squad seems to be occupied with other areas or endeavours.
Here are some tactics you can use that have worked in this area in the past.
1. If you see a prostitute soliciting outside your front door or on your block, go and talk to her respectfully. Let her know that this is a family area with children and ask her to move away. Usually that works, at least temporarily.
2. Call the non-emergency line --604-717-3321-- and let them know that there are prostitutes soliciting on your block. Also leave a message at Chinese Community Policing Centre so that the constables there know of the activity.
3. If you see a prostitute and john engaging in sexual activity in a car on the street, phone 9-1-1 if it's happening close to the school or park or where children are around. Try to get the licence plate number and colour and make of vehicle. If the prostitute looks like she's a teenager, mention that to the emergency operator. If the activity is anywhere else in Strathcona, call the non-emergency number--unless you suspect the prostitute is underage, in which case call 9-1-1.
4. This takes some audacity and is best done along with one or two neighbours but you can also tap politely on the john's car and ask them to leave. Be cautious because sometimes johns can be drunk and belligerent. At night a bright light shone in the vehicle works. Even if you're feeling frustrated and angry, don't kick or otherwise harm the john's car since you can be charged with damaging private property.
5. Always try to get the licence plate number and report it to the Chinese CPC along with time, date and location, make of car, description of driver, etc.
Some constables have, in the past, phoned the owners of reported vehicles and spoken to wives who were duly shocked.
Mark Budgen
Strathcona Safety Office
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