TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Police have arrested nearly 20 women at area strip clubs as part of a crackdown ahead of the Republican National Convention.

From the Pink Pony to the Play Pen, undercover officers made the rounds visiting 12 strip clubs in a two-day operation called “Keep it Clean”. Sixteen women were arrested Thursday and Friday and charged with offering to commit prostitution.

Tampa Police said they are investigating prostitution and human sex trafficking of minors based on tips that prostitutes may be coming to Tampa to work in adult establishments during the convention.

Thousands are expected to come to town for the Republican National Convention on Aug. 27-30 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)