Dozens of people were arrested in a clampdown on kerb crawlers.

Operation Dash, targeted Lea Bridge Road between Vicarage Road and Bromley Road, near Bakers Arms.

The area has been long known as a hot-spot for prostitution and police planned the operation after residents raised further concerns.

“Prostitution has come back to the area in the last six months or so,” Inspector Tor Garnett said.

“We are getting lots of calls from residents who are reporting more sex workers in the area and anti-social behaviour, such as used condoms being left in garage areas.”

The operation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the last two weeks resulted in 74 arrests of those suspected of offences including kerb crawling, soliciting and drink driving.

Of the arrests, 71 people were charged, cautioned or conditionally cautioned.

Police refused to disclose methods used and and how information leading to the arrests was gathered.

Ward officer John Thornton said: “It is an unfortunate fact that Lea Bridge Road has become known as an area to use prostitutes. For the most part both the prostitutes and kerb crawlers do not live in the area.

“I hope this operation convinces local people that we are serious about combating this issue and improving the quality of life and confidence of residents.”

Police say kerb crawlers, rather than prostitues, were targeted because arresting sex workers has limited long term success and outreach work is seen as a more viable approach.

A public meeting is being held to discuss the issue at the Waltham Forest Resource Hub in Russell Road, Leyton, at 7pm on December 18.

Residents can also fill out a survey, found by clicking here and emailing it to Leabridge.NPT@met.police.uk