Police place closure notice on suspected brothel - man and a woman arrested

A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain following a raid at a building believed to be operating as a brothel on Broadway, Oldham, this morning (Wed).

The warrant follows years of intelligence gathering and concerns raised by the local community. 

Following an unrelated arrest of a man believed to be connected to the business, officers seized a mobile phone. Examination of the device uncovered evidence which provided investigators with grounds to suspect the premises was being used for the control of prostitution, allowing them to secure a warrant. 

Neighbourhood officers led by Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead and Police Sergeant Tom Layton, supported by the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), entered the premises at around 4.45am. 

During the operation, a woman in her 40s was located. She was spoken to by officers, safeguarding measures were put in place, and she was subsequently arrested on suspicion immigration-related offences and possession of Class A drugs. 

Officers also seized a number of items from the address, including cash and timesheets, as part of the ongoing investigation. 

A man in his 50s believed to be the owner of the premises later attended the scene and was arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain. 

These combined factors have allowed the Oldham Neighbourhood to secure a Closure Notice on the business, this Closure Notice is now underway. 

This will be addressed in court on Friday, October 16 with the aim to put a Closure Order in place. 

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." 

Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead 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." 

Reports can be made to Greater Manchester Police online via our website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.