A Balham brothel rumbled by officers last month hosted at least two prostitutes partaking in a slick vice business, police said this week.

Seven plain clothes officers entered the Devonshire Road property on Friday, July 11, and found a British woman of around 19 with a large number of condoms and sex toys.

The brothel was clean and set up like an office, with a bed and a waiting room containing records of contacts and business cards for massage parlours.

Sergeant Fraser Webster, of Balham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) said: “It’s important to shut these brothels down because it is well known that they can lead to an increase in criminality in the area.

“You also have to consider the welfare of the women working in them, who are often victims themselves. Brothels can be part of organised crime.”

No evidence was found of the brothel being involved in trafficking, drugs or theft, so the woman’s name was recorded and she was given a warning along with details of how get help in leaving prostitution.

The SNT and the Met Police’s specialist vice squad arrived after a dozen resident complaints of frequent visitors, numerous cars and discarded condoms in the street.

They worked with the owner, who lives in another country, and the estate agent which manages the property, to issue the tenant with an eviction notice, which expired on Friday, August 15.

During that time Balham SNT visited again twice and found a prostitute in her 30s, also British, although the tenant was nowhere to be seen.

The brothel was eventually closed on Sunday, August 17, and notices were put up warning punters not to visit again.

Officers also visited every news agent in Balham High Road, warning them not to display adverts for massage parlours, which can often turn out to be brothels.

Sgt Webster added: “As far as I’m concerned it is closed now and my officers have been instructed to keep a close eye on it.”

If you suspect a brothel is operating in your area, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team whose details can be found at met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods.

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