WARNING letters are being sent to the homes of men suspected of kerb crawling in a bid to crack down on prostitution in Bolton's red light area.

Police chiefs are posting the letters to anyone suspected of persistent kerb crawling.

Suspects are being stopped and questioned and details of the drivers obtained. Letters are then sent out, raising the possibility that their actions may become known by their wives and other family members.

More than 10 letters, which also include NHS advice booklets on sexually transmitted infections, have already been posted.

The letters state: "A police officer recorded details of the above vehicle in the red light area of Bolton.

"The motor vehicle was previously sighted on several occasions in that area and a police officer stopped you as the driver of that vehicle and spoke to you.

"I would advise you that that this particular location is currently the subject of concentrated police activity to eliminate street prostitution.

"Having sex with multiple partners increases your risk of catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Enclosed is a leaflet for your information."

Police chiefs hope the scheme will help deter kerb-crawlers and have a consequential effect on spin-off crime like burglary and drug offences.

Chief Supt Don Brown, head of Bolton police, said it was the first time in the country that police had sent letters giving advice on sexually transmitted diseases to men suspected of kerb crawling.

He said the scheme was part of an on-going commitment to tackling the town's sex trade and its related crime.

He said: "We do not want to create the image that Bolton has high levels of sexual transmitted disease, but men should be made aware of the potentially dire consequences of having sex, protected or not, with a prostitute.

"Victims could be innocent parties, such as wives or partners.

"Around 90 per cent of the prostitutes in Bolton are intravenous drug users. They have a chaotic lifestyle and need help. We give them help via needle exchange, outreach workers and drug workers. We also advise them on the issue of personal safety and health."

He added: "But at the end of the day, both prostitutes and kerb-crawlers are a public nuisance and it is our duty to deal with the problem. They are both crimes.

"If sending out the letters warning of sexually transmitted disease deters kerb-crawling then that is an added bonus. Innocent parties have nothing to fear."

The scheme follows the brutal murders of prostitutes Carly Bateman, aged 17, and Danielle Moorcroft, aged 21. Police have boosted patrols in the Shiffnall Street and Salop Street area and there has been a rise in the prosecution of women who work the streets.