Over 20 missing and at-risk youth in Winnipeg are safe once again thanks to a joint project between the Winnipeg Police Service and community outreach programs.

From Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, Winnipeg Police Service's (WPS) Counter Exploitation/Missing Person's Unit, along with general patrol members from Central Division 11, partnered with five other community outreach services in Winnipeg.

Project Return, as it was called, was initiated to protect youth within the city of Winnipeg at high risk of sexual exploitation.

The community groups involved in the project included StreetReach, Winnipeg Outreach Network (WON), Resources Assistance for Youth (RAY), Ma Ma Wi Chi Itata, and the Bear Clan Patrol Inc.

The results of the weekend-long project included some impressive statistics. 17 locations known to be frequented by at-risk missing youths were surveyed and 21 at-risk youths who had been reported missing were located and transported to places of safety, according to the WPS.

Seven males between the ages of 18 and 55 were arrested on the charge of Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration and two additional arrests were made. One of these was an outstanding warrant for arrest.

Other statistics included:

  • 7 Vehicles seized under the Highway Traffic Act for Prostitution offences.
  • 3 Deter and Indentify Sex-Trade Consumers (D.I.S.C.) Stops were conducted.
  • 108 Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPTSD) contacts were made to identify and assist those involved in sexual exploitation. These contacts included issuing 45 harm reduction kits and providing 20 safe rides.

"Our commitment to issues surrounding our missing youth and those at risk of sexual exploitation in the community will continue," WPS commented in a release.