A clampdown on Plumstead prostitutes which led to the arrest of 29 kerb-crawlers and 14 gang members has won a top policing prize.

The campaign targeted Church Manor Way by treating sex workers as victims, supporting and encouraging them to give up prostitution, while police tackled kerb crawlers and drug dealers coming to the area. 

Following the operation, one man later received a 13-years sentence after being convicted of rape.

At a ceremony in New Scotland Yard, safer neighbourhood officers and Greenwich Council community safety staff were given a silver award in the safe communities category of the London Problem Orientated Partnership Awards.

Greenwich Council cabinet member for community safety Councillor Jackie Smith said: "Prostitution is far too complex an issue to solve overnight. 

"Taking a different approach with the women afforded us the opportunity to engage with them about their own safety and educate them about the variety of services available to them and to encourage them to change what they do."