A group which monitors prostitutes in Swindon is planning a shake-up, fearing hookers and pimps are wising up to its tactics.

Street Watch says reports of increased activity in parts of the town could mean some prostitutes are slipping through the net.

The group, which goes out on nightly patrols around Broad Street, Manchester Road, Station Road and Gorse Hill, admits it may need to adjust times to ensure its survey picks up more and remains accurate.

Member John McCue said: "A lot of the girls are now coming out when we've gone home.

"They've cottoned on to the time we go out so we will see what we can arrange. What we might do is go out, come back for a cup of tea and go out again.

"We are prepared to change our tactics."

Since the crackdown, which involves recording information about kerb crawlers and hookers, was launched in 2001, the number of prostitutes on the streets has fallen from more than 20 to four or five.

But now there have been reports of an upturn in the early evenings.

"I went out for a kebab and there were at least six on the streets," said one Gorse Hill Resident, who did not wish to be named.

"They are out here most evenings. More have come in since being pushed out of other areas."

Many town leaders believed the situation had improved since court injunctions banned named vice girls from entering areas were introduced, leaving only a hardcore behind.

But inspite of fears of another increase, police say they have the situation under control.

"We continue to monitor and police the problem of street prostitution by high visibility patrols particularly in the identified hot-spot areas and obtaining anti-social behaviour orders," said police spokesman Alvina Kumar.

Coun John Ballman (Lab), who represents the Gorse Hill area, said if any residents had concerns they could raise them at the next Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST) meeting on November 2, starting at 2.30pm.

"It will be a good chance for people to talk to councillors and the police," he said.

A Nest has been set up in Gorse Hill to encourage residents to report crimes and anti-social behaviour.