An alert system which helps prostitutes warn each other about thugs and rapists has been launched.
The National Ugly Mugs database has been operating in England for three years and has helped put 30 sex attackers in the dock. It turns reports of attacks made by sex workers into anonymous warnings which can be sent to other women and support groups.
It is independent from the police, and details can only be passed on to officers with the victim’s consent. Ugly Mugs have run a skeleton service in Scotland since 2012.
But even that has produced 65 alerts, including warnings of seven rapes, one attempted rape and six sexual assaults.
Police Scotland provided £4000 of funding to fully extend the Scots service, reports the Daily Record.
Alex Feis-Bryce of Ugly Mugs said the service helps protect people who are particularly vulnerable to attack.
