ESCONDIDO -- Six women were arrested on suspicion of prostitution in an undercover sting this week, an Escondido police lieutenant said Friday.

In the Thursday operation, undercover detectives posing as customers were quickly approached by several women who allegedly offered sex for money, Lt. Craig Carter said. He did not indicate where the operation took place.

Ashley Brooks, 19, of Chula Vista; Prisillia Chavez, 18, of Lemon Grove; Michelle Cox, 22, of Victorville; Veronika Reyes, 21, of Modesto; Melissa Scivoletti, 22, of Decatur, Ga.; and Shaneka Smith, 27, of San Diego were arrested on suspicion of loitering with the intent to commit prostitution, Carter said.

Five of the women were released after promising to appear in court, he said. Smith had an outstanding warrant for her arrest and was booked into the Vista jail.

Carter said suspicious activities may be reported to the Police Department's anonymous tip line at (760) 743-TIPS (8477) or at http://www.escondido.org/police.