Two streets in Winnipeg's West End were closed for a few hours this week as police and other social agencies put pressure on the area's growing sex trade.

Four women were arrested during the so-called Project Return, while several young female sex trade workers were also identified, police said.

Of those, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old were taken into custody as children in need of protection, said Const. Jason Michalyshen.

Although arrests were made, that was not the main focus of Project Return, he added.

Along with officers from several different units of the Winnipeg Police Service, representatives from the Salvation Army and the provincial government's Child Protection Branch were involved in the project.

They spoke with the sex trade workers to make them aware of programs and services available to help them make a change in their lives, Michalyshen said.

"This concept was facilitated somewhat differently than traditional enforcement involving 'johns' and or sex trade workers," stated a press release issued by the police service.

"Our goal was to strike a balance between enforcement, education and diversion."

The project took place on Juno Street and Kate Street, just east of the Health Sciences Centre, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It was carried out there because police have received many complaints from area residents, Michalyshen said.