Police in Lincolnshire have warned landlords to carry out strict identity and address checks on prospective tenants after reports that rentals are being used as pop-up or short-term brothels.

The force says some landlords and managing agents in the county are renting properties to organised crime groups, either unknowingly or by failing to carry out sufficient checks. It believes these groups may use the properties to set up short-term brothels and exploit sex workers, some of whom may have been trafficked into the UK.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police says: “Criminal groups may use false documentation to secure accommodation and then exploit vulnerable people through illegal activity. By carrying out appropriate checks, landlords can help prevent their properties being used by organised criminals to exploit vulnerable people.”

Offence

It is a criminal offence to knowingly allow premises to be used as a brothel and the force adds that landlords should take reasonable steps to understand who is occupying their property and how it is being used.

“While not all sex workers are victims of exploitation, police investigations frequently identify vulnerable people who have been coerced, controlled, trafficked or otherwise exploited," it adds.

A pop-up brothel is a temporary brothel established in rented accommodation, holiday lets or other short-term rental properties. Sex work itself is not illegal in many circumstances in the UK, although several activities associated with it are criminal offences.

Residents can become concerned if they notice a regular flow of visitors arriving at a property throughout the day or night and staying only for short periods, it adds. While this does not automatically indicate criminal activity, it may warrant reporting to police.

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