Campaign to help keep sex workers safe in Lincolnshire

Credit: PA

Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner and the county council have teamed up to run a social media campaign to raise awareness of the National Ugly Mugs (NUM) scheme – a project which helps protect sex workers.

People working in the sex industry are often targeted by dangerous individuals but are frequently reluctant to report these incidents to the Police. When an individual registers with NUM, an alert can be sent out to them and others in the area to warn them of a possible threat, and potentially save a life.

Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Marc Jones, said:

Claire, a sex worker from Skegness, gave this advice to others working in the industry:

NUM is formally supported by National Police Chiefs Council and the Home Office, and has resulted in the apprehension of a number of serial sex offenders.

Hayley Child, Sexual Violence & Abuse (prevention) Lead at Lincolnshire County Council, said:

In 2014, NUM won a number of awards including the Guardian Charity Award and the Third Sector Award for “Small Charity, Big Achiever.” In 2015, they were “Highly Commended Charity of the Year” in the Charity Times Awards.

Alex Feis-Bryce, Chief Executive of NUM, said: