Winnipeg Police teamed up with several other agencies in an attempt to help youth in the city who are at a high risk of being sexually exploited.

Officers from the Counter Exploitation / Missing Person’s Unit along with outreach workers from Streetreach, Winnipeg Outreach Network, Resources Assistance for Youth, Ma Ma Wi Chi Itata and the Bear Clan Patrol worked together from April 26 to April 28 on Project Return.

Police say that members of the group made 108 contacts to identify and help those involved in sexual exploitation. 45 harm reduction kits were handed out and 20 people received safe rides.

The team checked 17 locations throughout the city that are known to be frequented by high risk missing youth and took 21 missing risk youth to safely.

Police say that seven men were arrested for Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration. The males were between the ages of 18 and 55.

Officers also seized seven vehicles for prostitution related offences under the Highway Traffic Act as well as stopping three others to identify and deter people buying sexual services.