Flat in East Hill, Dartford, raided by police after neighbours’ get fed up by ‘brothel’ antics
00:01, 26 August 2016
Police raided a flat after neighbours complained that it had been used as a brothel for years.
The property in East Hill, Dartford, has been the subject of concerns from those living nearby for some time.
Councillors were contacted and enforcement officers from Dartford council joined police at the address.
A council spokesman said: “Police and Dartford Borough Council enforcement officers attended an address in Dartford following complaints the premises were being used as a brothel.”
Police are continuing to investigate. A spokesman said: “As part of the investigation the property was made secure. No arrests were made. Officers are continuing to make inquiries surrounding this investigation.”
A business offering massage “in a discreet location” in East Hill is advertised online, revealing that it has been running since at least 2006 and has employed more than a dozen women.
Some of those who claim to have visited the brothel have posted reviews on a different website, naming it as the Dartford Mature Massage.
It is described as “a long-established parlour” accessed by a gate at the back of a building, with a maid letting people in.
One review, posted in November 2011, states: “Once the maid lets you in, it’s up the stairs and into one of the two rooms.
“Inside there is a double bed with two mirrors and a massage table. I once remarked that I suspected this table got little use. On this occasion, however, it did...”
Others praise the cleanliness of the flat, although one describes it as “tatty but safe enough”.
The matter was brought to the attention of Conservative councillors Calvin McLean and Julie Ozog by residents unhappy with the level of noise and anti-social behaviour around the property at night.
One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “We have had to endure constant nuisance from this for many months now.
“We have even investigated and found this activity has been going on for years. We have had to put up with drunk men shouting and swearing, knocking on doors asking what girls are working, urinating in the street and up neighbours’ properties.”
Brothels are illegal under the 1956 Sexual Offences Act, while the 2003 Sexual Offences Act makes it an offence to cause or incite prostitution or control it for personal gain.
If more than one person is available for paid sex at a premises, then it is considered a brothel.
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