Sutton Coldfield massage parlour temporarily shut as police launch an investigation into brothels across the West Midlands
Police have ordered the temporary closure of a massage parlour in Sutton Coldfield as part of their investigation into brothels across the West Midlands.
A massage parlour in Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham has been ordered to close temporarily amid concerns that it is operating as a 'brothel'.
The Shangri La, on Bishops Way, Four Oaks, will be closed until December 10 as part of an active West Midlands Police investigation over illegal brothels across the region.
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The closure comes after the Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation Team (SOCEX) led the force to believe that it was being used as a brothel, where women were being exploited, despite being advertised as a massage parlour.
Officers attended the location on Wednesday, September 10, and issued an emergency closure notice for 48 hours.
However, the day after, a three-month closure notice was ordered by Dudley Magistrates' Court following a further investigation by West Midlands Police.
The force said that its investigation into the premises and the people involved is ongoing.
The current order means that anyone who enters the premises risks being fined, arrested, or even sent to prison.
Sergeant Paul Lakey, from the West Midlands Police SOCEX team, said: "We’re pleased the court supported our application to close this location for three months – the maximum amount of time we can apply for by law.
“Closing the premises is an important step in our investigation, which is continuing.
“We remain absolutely committed to protecting those who are vulnerable, and ultimately making communities better places for people to live, work, and visit.”
