Police are trying to rid downtown Kingston of homeless couples who have become so comfortable they have begun having sex on the streets.

THE STAR was informed of the practice in a recent interview with Inspector Percival Buddan, the officer in charge of the City Centre Police Station. The STAR has learnt that in recent times, several spots around downtown have become the homes of a number of homeless couples.

"I know you are use to seeing a homeless man or woman on the street, but there are a number of couples living on the streets in downtown," a corporal from the Kingston Central police told the STAR.

Buddan explained, "they are so comfortable now that they are sleeping with their girlfriends on the roadside ... being there forms part of their lifestyle."

He also pointed out that this unique situation has the ability to spiral into a rise in criminal activities. According to him, the perfectly sane couples occupy spots which can be linked to criminal activities such as drug selling.

"First of all, this is where these couples are fed. They get food there, they can get drugs there. This kind of sad situation can eventually lead to these people becoming involved in criminal activity," Buddan commented. A number of vendors who ply their wares downtown say they are familiar with at least eight such couples.

The police say they will be launching an initiative aimed at helping these couples to find a place which can provide proper living conditions.

Buddan expressed interest in having such a programme focused on the feeding and rehabilitation of such persons launched as soon as in the next three months.

He said he has already proposed the idea to others willing to assist to make the programme a reality and the responses have been encouraging. "I have put it forward to a number of business people who love the idea, so hopefully we can start the initiative some time soon," Buddan told the STAR.