The sex trade in Aberdeen has exploded in recent years – with far fewer prostitutes working on the streets, but many more escorts drawn by the city’s oil-rich reputation.
A growing number of websites which allow women to advertise their services and availability in the city have also appeared online.
On one website alone, there are around 100 women selling sex on any given day in Aberdeen for upwards of £100 an hour.
Officers estimate that the black market business is worth £1.3million a month – although they admit the true sum could be many times higher.
A specialist team visits the women regularly to check they are not being forced into sex work and to ensure they feel confident about approaching the police if they have any concerns.
In some cases, women have been able to give the police valuable information about sex offenders and violent clients.
Meanwhile, the number of street prostitutes has fallen sharply since the force launched Operation Begonia in 2010.
This initiative aims to break the vicious circle of girls being arrested, taken to court and having to go straight back out on to the streets to pay their fines.
Instead, police officers work closely with social workers and other professionals and volunteers to address the reasons for women getting into prostitution – often drink and drugs – and giving them the support to stop if they want to.
Following Jessica McGraa’s death, the organisation, Drugs Action, revealed many prostitutes had contacted them feeling nervous and concerned for their well-being when visiting clients.
The community support charity – which runs Quay Services to women involved in prostitution across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – say they have seen an increased number of people come forward recently with safety concerns.
