SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus on Friday announced a two-part sting aimed at reducing prostitution and related crimes in various parts of the city.

McManus said the operation involving officers dressing as prostitutes and Johns has resulted in the issuing of up to 22 arrest warrants and at least 10 people in custody.

Prostitutes have been working alone or teaming up with other prostitutes and pimps to physically assault and rob clients, McManus said. In many cases, the victims are too embarrassed to report the crime.

"The game that's played is the prostitute will get the client undressed and once they're undressed, at some point, a robbery will occur," McManus said.

Because the crime victims don't come forward, the cases are unsolved and contribute to increasing crime trends, McManus said. Prostitution also leads to drug crimes, misuse of credit cards and identity thefts.

"Don't get involved with prostitutes and you won't find yourself in that situation," McManus said.

The areas being targeted in the sting will be announced at a later date in order not to jeopardize the operation, McManus said.