Police ‘save trafficked women’ in crackdown on Redbridge ‘brothels’

Police have shut down 11 suspected brothels in the past month, according to new crime figures.

The number almost equals the amount closed down between March and October last year – 12 suspected locations.

Since then, numbers rose with 10 in November and 15 in December – a spike which officers expected over the festive period.

Speaking to the Recorder, Insp Claire Aubrey-Robson said the welfare of the women was Redbridge Police’s “primacy”.

“We have managed to save girls that have been trafficked,” she said.

“We have systems in place so we can help them and give them a sustainable lifestyle.

“There has been 11 suspected brothels but not every one has been a brothel. But when we go in there, we can assist the girls and conduct any crime investigations – our main concern is to uphold the law and ensure the safety of the British public.”

Det Ch Insp Holly Simon said the biggest challenge facing officers cracking down on brothels was proving that locations were being used for that purpose.

“We have to speak to people coming out of these places and people are reluctant to say what they have been doing,” she said.

Insp Aubrey-Robson said the force’s partnership with the Redbridge Council has proven vital in tackling street prostitution in the borough.

“We’re working very closely with the council and it’s a fantastic partnership,” she said.

“We’ve cleared up family gardens where sex litter has been found.”

The officer urged people with information and the women involved to reach out to the police.

She said: “People need to report it and if there’s any woman that wants to get out please contact 101.”

A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain and proceeds of crime offences. He has since been released on bail.