Police close brothel opposite station (From Times Series)

Police close brothel opposite station

8:52am Thursday 2nd October 2008 in

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The long arm of the law did not have to reach very far last week to force the closure of a brothel in Golders Green after five years.

The sex parlour opposite Golders Green police station, in Finchley Road, was raided by vice squads after police received complaints from residents.

Owners of the three-bedroom house were issued with a notice to close by officers in a joint operation involving Hampstead Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhoods team and the Metropolitan Police clubs and vice unit.

Angela Roache, 60, who lives in the same alleyway as the illegal sex den, said: “I have lived here since 1971, and have known it was there for quite a number of years.

“We often had a lot of people coming and getting the wrong door. In the end we got used to people ringing the bell late at night.

“There would be a lot of people coming through, which was not pleasant. They would come all hours of the day.

“I am very pleased the police have taken this action. They have done a wonderful job.”

The alley leading to the back street brothel was located within a row of shops and takeaway restaurants.

On its website, Cleopatra’s Palace was advertised as “discreet private flats in the heart of NW11” and tempted potential customers with the line: “Visit us in our truly luxurious apartments and enjoy the company of one of our delightful young ladies.”

A trader, whose restaurant is next to the entrance to the ally, said: “We didn’t have any problems that came from the brothel, but we knew it was there.

“A lot of people would be coming around this area late at night, and we knew what they were doing.”

A police spokesman said: “Safer Neighbourhoods teams work to address the concerns of the local community.

“Due to the resources available to them, police prioritise the issues they deal with but, where residents raise issues with police, we work hard to address them.”

Councillor Mike Freer, leader of Barnet Council, welcomed the closure.

He said: “These establishments can often attract other types of crime and antisocial behaviour and increase neighbours’ fear of crime.

“The council supports any action taken to close down these establishments and will work with partners to identify any premises being used for unlawful purposes.”