RESIDENTS have collected since October the registration details of more than 100 vehicles that have visisted a Beaconsfield home they say is being used as a brothel, including government-plated and commercial cars.
But police are telling WA police minister Liz Harvey that nothing is going on.
The alleged Warren Street brothel is metres from Christ the King primary school and not far from Beaconsfield primary.
Ms Harvey says police are conducting patrols.
“Since January 1, police have informed me there have been no reported incidents requiring immediate police attendance relating to this house or other suspicious or anti-social behaviour which could be connected,” she says.
Following last week’s front page story (“Not a priority”, Herald, May 11, 2013), the owner of the property has reportedly approached residents asking if they are stirring up trouble by contacting the authorities.
He has also contacted the Herald several times this week but refuses to be quoted.
Residents raised the alarm in October when a woman walking her dog reportedly saw a man masturbating in his car on Annie Street.
She reported it to the school and called police, giving them the car’s registration. The same car was parked later the same day at the house on nearby Warren Street.
“Anybody engaging in indecent activity in public or in the presence of juveniles is committing a serious criminal offence and police would be expected to investigate any such complaint,” Ms Harvey says.
This alleged incident was “assessed” and “due to it being uncorroborated, anonymous information [via Crimestoppers], it did not provide sufficient information,” for further investigation.
“It was, however, recorded as intelligence,” she says.
Under the WA criminal code, any person—tenant or landlord—who keeps or manages or assists in managing any premises for prostitution faces up to three years’ imprisonment. Proceeds of crime legislation could also apply, leading to confiscation of property.
“We don’t want brothels in residential neighbourhoods,” Beaconsfield councillor and Hilton resident Dave Hume says.
by CARMELO AMALFI