Police say they have shut down a suspected brothel and six other properties as part of a crackdown on serious crime in one corner of Stockport.
Officers launched an operation to tackle a 'multitude of criminality' - including drug-dealing, prostitution, exploitation and anti-social behaviour - in Woodley, near the border with Tameside, earlier this year.
Arrests and charges secured
Since February, they say they have carried out ten raids, made 28 arrests, secured 88 charges, and obtained five criminal behaviour orders (CBOs).
They have also secured closure orders against seven properties. These are legal orders, issued by courts, to shut down addresses or parts of properties linked to criminality.
Brothel closure order
Most recently, officers raided a property at Woodley Precinct after they said they had 'gathered intelligence that people were being exploited and that the address was being used as a brothel.'
A full closure order, which prohibits anyone other than authorised personnel from going in or out, was approved by Manchester Magistrates Court on September 22, and will run for a period of three months.
Team praised for transforming area
The team, led by Sergeant Mathew Fazl-Lavasanni, and which involved work from Stockport's East Neighbourhood Policing Team and Stockport District Intelligence Unit, has seen more than 220 pieces of intelligence submitted, they said. Work to safeguard victims identified during the investigation is ongoing, they added.
Sergeant Fazl-Lavasanni said: “The work delivered by the Stockport East Neighbourhood Team has been nothing short of exceptional.
“Their relentless dedication, proactive policing and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community have transformed Woodley beyond recognition.
“By tackling drug dealing and criminality head-on, they have not only disrupted those intent on causing harm but have restored confidence, stability and pride within the neighbourhood.”
PC Jordan Weakley, from GMP’s Stockport district, said: “Our investigations and action as part of this dedicated operation has seen vital partnership work, proactive engagement, and the protection of people being exploited by criminality within our district.
“Closure orders are always welcome results, and I am glad that locals will no longer have to put up with these issues. Their intelligence and tip-offs have helped us massively – we always take concerns seriously and will do what we can to help.
“Going forward, we will continue to aid vulnerable people, arrest those involved in criminality, and shut down any properties causing issues for the law-abiding residents of Stockport.”
