Landlords warned over pop-up brothels and tenant checks

Organised crime groups may be using landlord properties to establish pop-up brothels, police have warned.

The paperwork may be false, with criminals using fraudulent documents to secure accommodation where vulnerable people can be exploited.

Officers in Lincolnshire say the warning follows reports that some landlords and managing agents are letting properties to these groups, either unknowingly or without sufficient checks.

Also, some of the sex workers involved may have been trafficked into the country.

Police seek information

PC Dan Thompson, from Lincolnshire’s intelligence team, said: “If anyone thinks they may have a suspected brothel being set up or run in their community, we would like to know.

“Any piece of information no matter how small or insignificant is useful; every bit of information goes to build a bigger picture.”

Landlords and letting agents are being urged to carry out thorough identity and address checks before letting their properties.

Police also say owners should take reasonable steps to understand who is occupying the accommodation and how it is being used.

Reporting suspected exploitation

Pop-up brothels are temporary operations established in rented accommodation, holiday lets or other properties occupied for short periods.

Police are also warning landlords that knowingly allowing premises to be used as a brothel is a criminal offence.

Residents may notice visitors arriving regularly throughout the day or night and staying only briefly, although police stress that this does not automatically indicate criminal activity.

The force says its priority is to identify and safeguard vulnerable people who may be victims of exploitation, trafficking or modern slavery.