CALGARY -- The bulk of nearly 30 men picked up in a recent crack-down on prostitution are first-time offenders, say police.

Between Jan. 27 and Feb. 5, police from several districts ran the undercover operations, one dubbed “No Rest for the Wicked” — targeting street-level prostitution.

Sixty-four criminal charges were laid, 29 against johns and the rest against sex-trade workers.

They also seized 25 vehicles worth about $360,000 — ranging from $2,000 clunkers to luxury vehicles valued at about $70,000 — Vice Staff Sgt. Colin Adair said.

Adair said city police have seized 258 vehicles since legislation allowing them to do so was introduced in 2006.

“The vehicles are held until they go to court and are either found not guilty or (given) alternative measures,” Adair said.

“If found guilty in court, you could lose your vehicle.”

Those who can reclaim vehicles must pay associated costs, such as storage.

Adair said johns have also done 2,400 hours of community service and paid $60,000 in fines which go to social agencies since 2006.

While recidivism rates appear to be low, the challenge for police is keeping up with the evolution of prostitution taking it increasingly beyond the streets.

“It has changed, years ago street prostitution was a lot busier,” he said.

“It still has a big impact on the community, but now there is a lot more indoors, behind closed doors, in bawdy houses and on the Internet.”

What hasn’t changed, he said, is the reality women are still being trapped in a criminal realm often difficult to escape.

“Prostitution isn’t a victimless crime,” Adair said.

“No little girl decides she wants to grow up to be a prostitute.”

The bulk of the arrests were done along strolls in Forest Lawn and downtown.