More than 30 officers raided suspected properties around Redbridge on Wednesday, 16th October in the afternoon, discovering two brothels.
Several women were led to safety as a result of the raids. They are now being offered help to escape from any involvement in prostitution.
The operation, which took seven hours, was led by Council enforcement and police officers from the Response Task Force, CID, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the Human Tracking Unit.
Codenamed Magpie, the measure is yet another put in place to attempt tackling concerns on prostitution in the community.
Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “I’d like to congratulate the police and council officers on the success of this joint operation.
“As a council, we’re already doing a huge amount to tackle prostitution in the borough.
“But this is a long-term problem and one which requires us to work in close partnership with the police, and I am looking forward to continuing our work together.
“Our priority is to engage and support women to exit prostitution, whilst sending a strong message to the criminals behind this activity that we will disrupt them at all levels, not just on the streets at night.”
Inspector Barrie Beyler from the Metropolitan Police Response Taskforce said: “This operation was a successful example of numerous agencies coming together working within a multi-agency approach to protect vulnerable women who appeared to be exploited for financial gain.
“The purpose of the operation was to safeguard these individuals whilst offering ongoing support to deter such future illicit activities.
“Redbridge residents should be reassured that we will tackle any form of anti-social behaviour and that together with our council partners close such premises.”
Tags: Redbridge, Ilford
