A HIGH-profile police campaign to clamp down on prostitution on Teesside has made its first arrests.

Police swooped on three people, two men and a woman, during their blitz on prostitutes and kerb crawlers in Stockton and Thornaby.

Officers have hardened their approach to women plying their trade in the towns after they had initially decided to just caution offenders.

The Bon Lea industrial estate and Mandale Triangle areas of Thornaby in particular have became mini red light districts in recent weeks, with legitimate businessmen being approached in the street.

Patrick Holmes, 33, from Middleton St George, and Glenn Jones, 44, from Billingham, were arrested and charged with soliciting offences. A 25-year-old woman from Thornaby was also arrested and charged with loitering for the purposes of prostitution.

All three were bailed after appearing before Teesside magistrates this morning.

As part of the police's tougher stance registration numbers of cars found after business hours will be taken. Police will then send a formal letter to the registered owner.

They have also pledged to publish the names of those caught in a bid to name and shame offenders.

Prostitutes found touting for business on the street will also find themselves before the courts, although those under 18 are still classed as victims and will be given appropriate support from outside agencies.

Dave Pickard, head of operational policing in Stockton, explained why Cleveland police are clamping down on prostitution.

He said: "This area is an industrial area and not a thoroughfare.

"As such, vehicles should not be using the area after business hours.

"We will now be adapting a more robust attitude to those caught flouting the law.

"Let this be a warning to those travelling in from outside the area - you will be caught and we will be prosecuting."

The operation aims to safeguard legitimate users of the area and to protect innocent women from being approached by kerb crawlers.