Police nab 4 for purchasing sexual services
55 locations where at-risk youth commonly visit also discovered, police say
Winnipeg police have arrested four males for purchasing sexual services and uncovered dozens of city hotspots for youth at risk of being sexually exploited.
In a joint effort between police and community organizations StreetReach and the Winnipeg Outreach Network, investigators arrested four males between the ages of 14 and 52 on Thursday who allegedly paid money for sex. Two vehicles were also seized.
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As part of the investigation, police identified 55 locations commonly visited by at-risk youth and reached out through social media to help 16 people involved in the sex trade.
Five at-risk youth were located and placed in safe housing, police said, adding one of them who was missing was arrested for probation violation.
"The Winnipeg Police Service remains committed to issues surrounding our missing youth and those at risk of sexual exploitation in the community," police said in a statement.