Ten suspected streetwalkers have been arrested following a five-hour vice operation.

The foreign women - aged between 22 and 35 - were rounded up near Orchard Towers during the swoop, which ended early yesterday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Julius Lim said much of the operation was spent observing the suspects.

He added that enforcement had been stepped up in the area since last year.

DSP Lim said the police will work with other agencies to reduce streetwalking and other vice-related activities in the Orchard Road area.

For example, more security cameras could be installed to increase security for residents and businesses.

Prostitution is not illegal in Singapore, but soliciting in public is a crime under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.

About 5,320 foreign women were arrested on suspicion of vice-related offences last year, up slightly from the 5,206 in 2011.

Last year, the police conducted 3,567 anti-commercial sex operations, arresting a total of 203 pimps.

JALELAH ABU BAKER