Lauren Boothby

Dozens of men charged for buying sex in Grande Prairie

A total of 37 men have been arrested and charged with sexual solicitation-related offences in the Grande Prairie area. Postmedia, file

More than three dozen men are facing charges around sexual solicitation in the Grande Prairie area.

A three-day joint investigation by Grande Prairie RCMP's general investigation, crime reduction and community policing units, and general duty members, led to 37 men between 19 and 57 years old being arrested and charged for paying for sexual services.

"These operations are intended to reduce the harm in our community that is directed at some of our most vulnerable persons," Grande Prairie RCMP Supt. Sean Curry said in a news release. "Police will continue to work with partners such as the PACE Sexual Assault Centre that offers a first offence alternative measure program called sex trade offender program (STOP)."

Grande Prairie RCMP said the operation came after hearing concerns about sex trade activities in the city and surrounding county.

In the news release, it says the investigation falls in line with the detachment's crime prevention strategy, saying the division is "committed to identifying those who are causing the most harm in our community and to targeting their illegal activities."

The detachment asks the public to report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities.