Project Return leads to arrests, missing youths found in Winnipeg

Police said a joint initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable youth in Winnipeg continues to get results.

On Wednesday, Winnipeg police announced its partnership with StreetReach Winnipeg on Project Return. The joint effort aims to protect city youth at high risk of being sexually exploited.

So far, police said the proactive effort has resulted in a number of findings:

- Two men arrested for purchasing sexual services
- One vehicle seized under the prostitution HTA offence.
- Two women investigated and identified as escorts. Once determined not to be victim of human trafficking or under aged, they were offered support services including health care and emotional supports.
- Twenty-six addresses checked for missing youth.
- One missing youth was located and arrested on an outstanding warrant.
- Six at-risk youth being located, including one missing from rural Manitoba, with each transported to a place of safety.
- Eight CPTSDI (Crime Prevention through Social Development Intervention) contacts made to identify and assist those involved in the street-level sex trade.

StreetReach Winnipeg is comprised of numerous organizations including the Child Protection Branch, All Nations Coordinated Response Network, MaryMound Inc., Mamawi and MARTR, Manitoba Association for Residential Treatment Resource.