Two people have been arrested after police raided a suspected brothel on Broadway in Oldham. Officers served a Closure Notice on the premises following an investigation sparked by years of intelligence gathering and concerns from local residents and businesses.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Oldham Neighbourhood Team carried out a warrant at a premises on Broadway at around 4.45am on Wednesday, October 14. The operation was led by Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead and Police Sergeant Tom Layton, with support from the Tactical Aid Unit.
Evidence found on seized phone
The warrant was secured after officers seized a mobile phone during an unrelated arrest of a man believed to be connected to the business. Investigators examining the device uncovered evidence that suggested the premises was being used to control prostitution.
During the raid, officers found a woman in her 40s at the address. Police said safeguarding measures were put in place before she was arrested on suspicion of immigration-related offences and possession of Class A drugs. Officers also seized a number of items, including cash and timesheets, as part of their investigation. A man believed to own the premises later attended the scene and was arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain.
Closure Notice served
Following the operation, police served a Closure Notice on the premises. The case is due to be heard in court on Friday, October 16, when officers will seek a Closure Order to prevent the business from operating.
Police Sergeant Tom Layton said: "The concerns surrounding this premises have been raised by local residents and businesses for a considerable period of time, and today's action is the result of years of intelligence gathering and partnership working. By securing a Closure Notice, we have been able to immediately disrupt the activities taking place at the premises and prevent further harm, nuisance and criminality while legal proceedings continue. Activity of this nature will not be tolerated in our communities. Premises suspected of facilitating criminality can have a significant impact on those living and working nearby, causing nuisance and concern. We have listened to the concerns of the community and have taken robust action to address them."
Officers urge public to report concerns
Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead said controlling prostitution for gain was a serious offence that could be linked to the exploitation of vulnerable people. She said: "Controlling prostitution for gain is a serious offence and is often linked to the exploitation of vulnerable people. Those involved can seek to profit from and control the lives of others for their own financial benefit, causing misery and harm in the process. Our priority is always to identify and safeguard those who may be vulnerable while pursuing those suspected of criminal offences. We will continue to work tirelessly to target anyone who seeks to exploit others and to ensure Oldham remains a safe place for residents, businesses and visitors alike. The use of a Closure Notice demonstrates the direct impact that information from our communities can have. Intelligence provided by residents and businesses was instrumental in building the wider picture that enabled officers to take this action. If you have concerns about similar activity in your area, believe someone may be being exploited, or have been a victim of crime linked to prostitution or exploitation, please report it to us. Every piece of information helps us protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice."
Anyone with information about suspected exploitation or similar activity can report it to Greater Manchester Police through its website or by calling 101. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.
