A property being used as a brothel in Bournemouth town centre has been closed down following a successful court order.
The occupants of the flat in Old Christchurch Road were ordered to leave on Thursday 17 December 2015 after a temporary closure notice was issued.
On 18 December, Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court served a full three-month closure notice order under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Dorset Police, in conjunction with Bournemouth Borough Council, sought the order following complaints from residents and members of the public about nuisance and anti-social behaviour linked to sexual activity.
The flat was used as a brothel and has been the source of serious nuisance to other residents in the block. This has included visitors arriving at the premises at all times of the day and night, banging on doors, shouting and arguing.
Visitors have been ringing buzzers belonging to other residents asking for sex and escort services. One of the prostitutes has been known to sleep in the communal area on a sofa which blocked the fire door.
Residents said they also felt intimidated, especially by a man employed by the brothel as a security guard who was seen in the communal hallway carrying a machete or axe-type weapon.
Bournemouth Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector Billy Bulloch, of Bournemouth police, said: “The closure order is a fast, flexible power that can be used to protect communities by quickly closing premises that are causing a nuisance to members of the public.
“We have received numerous complaints from worried residents and I hope this closure order will help them feel safer.
“Dorset Police actively encourages residents to call 101 with any concerns they may have about anti-social behaviour in their community.
“This type of behaviour can blight communities and we will continue to work tirelessly with partner agencies to combat issues such as this.
“We have also identified any vulnerable individuals and ensured they have access to the many support networks available to them.”
