Gardaí conduct targeted operations in Limerick to protect those in the sex trade

A NUMBER OF targeted operations have been carried out in Limerick as part of a national initiative to protect those in the sex trade.

The intelligence-led operation, which was led by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), ran across a total of 16 garda divisions nationwide including Limerick, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Longford, Galway, Dublin, Kildare, Donegal, Cavan and Louth.

During the course of the nationwide operation, 46 people were identified as having allegedly purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution.

65 safeguarding visits were carried out with a view to eliminating the possibility of sexual exploitation.

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According to gardai, 112 individual sex workers were offered welfare advice and encouraged to avail of expert services.

Five search warrants were executed in relation to the organisation of prostitution.

Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said, "This ongoing work is all in an effort to strengthen our link with those involved in the sex trade in order to increase trust and raise greater awareness of the services that are available to them.

"The Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit within our bureau regularly carry out safeguarding checks of people who are involved in the sex trade. This is especially important so that Gardaí can identify anyone who may be vulnerable or who is being sexually exploited or trafficked. Our unit is also cognisant of those who are working independently in the sex trade.

"Any person involved in the sex trade can be assured that An Garda Síochána is here to listen, and will treat any report of a crime against them very seriously and sensitively – whether it is assault, theft or criminality of another kind," Superintendent Noonan said.

In addition, a number of positive outcomes were reported as a consequence of the targeted action.

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A Liaison Officer attached to the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit was contacted by an individual sex worker who is the victim of assault by a client - gardaí are currently investigating the matter and are following a definite line of enquiry.

Following a safeguarding visit from a member of An Garda Síochána in the South West, an individual working in the sex trade made contact with a local garda station to express their concern for several women believed to be trafficked for sexual exploitation and enquiries are ongoing into this matter.

As a result of this work by Gardaí earlier this month, a number of files are now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, with a view to determining if any criminal prosecution can be initiated.