FIFTEEN kerb crawlers were caught during a two-night operation in Nottingham's red-light district.

The operation took place in the Arboretum area on Thursday, August 26, and Friday, August 27.

The men were arrested after being caught in a sting using a member of the Community Protection On-Street Prostitution Team.

They have since been released on police bail.

Sergeant Neil Radford said: "We hold these operations regularly and ensure the 'test purchase officer' acts in a way that any woman going about her normal business in the area would behave.

"These men all stopped our officer and asked her for sex with no knowledge as to why she was there.

"Our officer could have been any local resident walking home along the street.

"This kind of behaviour can be distressing for women and is totally unacceptable."

The On-Street Prostitution Team was formed in June 2004 and is funded by the city council's Community Protection department.

This partnership team is made up of both police and community protection officers.

To report anti-social behaviour in your area, call the confidential antisocial behaviour helpline, available 24 hours a day for Nottingham City residents on 0115 915 2020.

People can also email asbhelp@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or visit www.protectnottingham.co.uk.