POLICE chiefs are urging residents to report anyone seen working as a prostitute or kerb crawling in residential areas.

The request follows a successful crackdown on prostitution in Bolton's red light area when 15 men of differing ages and nationalities were arrested.

On Friday 38-year-old Alan Kay, from Oldham, was convicted by Bolton Magistrates of kerb crawling. He had denied the offence.

He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £250 court costs and was banned from driving for three months.

Sgt Wayne Readfern said the successful kerb crawling operation was carried out through the Cop Shop at the Haulgh.

The mobile Cop Shop was placed in the Haulgh and crime dropped by a third and information poured in from residents in the area.

Officers arrested the 15 men in Fletcher Street and Lever Street on the edge of the Great Lever area of Bolton.

Some of the men were cautioned and others were given the opportunity to attend special courses held at Bolton Central Police Station.

There representatives from social services talked to the men about the dangers facing young girls who work as prostitutes.

The men were also given information on sexual health matters by health service workers.

Sgt Readfern said: "We would like the public to report any instances they see of kerb crawling or prostitutes operating in the Fletcher Street and Lever Street. We want to know about any problems they might have."

A man is due to appear at Bolton Magistrates Court for trial on Friday, April 30 charged with kerb crawling. He denies the offence.