News


Homes raided in brothel inquiry


TWOsuspectedpop-upbrothels in Maidstone have been searched by officers investigating alleged Ro- manian sex traffickers. TheKent andEssex SeriousCrime


Directorate have been working alongside Romanian authorities since February, following informa- tion that women were being sexu- ally exploited by members of an organised criminal network. Sevenpropertieswere raided: five


in Medway and two in Maidstone, in StagshawClose and Bower Place. Two men and three women were


ordered to return to Romania and face criminal proceedings, while seven suspected victimswere taken to a place of safety. Afurther 17warrantswere carried


out in Romania at the same time. DIGary Scarfe said: “Human traf-


ficking for any form of exploitation is despicable and has a devastating impact onvictimswho are treatedas a commodity, not human beings. “Most are vulnerable young women brought to the UK with an


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anticipation of a better life. Instead they are coerced into prostitution while beingusedas ameans ofmak- ing money for those who control them. “In late 2017, we agreed with the


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Romanian authorities to jointly tackle what we believe to be an or- ganised crime group operating be- tween both countries. The investigation has been a major suc- cess. Bringing both countries to- gether to jointly tackle these offences, dismantle the networks, safeguard all potential victims and secure prosecutions has been ex- tremely effective. “Iwouldurge letting agencies and


landlords to be mindful of criminal groups who seek to use their prop- erties for pop-up brothels, aswell as those who use the sex trade and may not realise that thewomenmay be victims of human trafficking. “Anyonewith knowledge of a sus-


WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone.


pected brothel in their area is urged to report it to us to ensure we can take appropriate action.”


OUR REPUTATION


SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories


MP celebrates tug-of-war win


MAIDSTONE andWeald MP Helen Grant took the strain in a parliamen- tary tug-of-war with the Lords. For once, politics was put to one side for the MPs' challenge that has


been held for the past 32 years, and is now held inmemory of the late Jo CoxMP,whowasmurdered nine days after taking part in the 2016 event. Former sportsministerMrs Grant, who is pictured fifth fromleft, joined


a cross-party team of female MPs for the challenge, involving 20 teams. With three pulls a piece, the Commons vs. Lords tournament lasted over two hours, with BBC presenter Jeremy Vine acting as themaster of cere- monies. Money raised by the event will go to the Macmillan Cancer Support


charity. Commenting on the day, and her team’s victory over the baronesses,


Mrs Grant said: “It's all aboutmerry rivalry within Parliament, and every- one is very competitive." The House of Commons teamincludedMPs Jo Churchill, Tracy Brabin,


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Rebecca Pow,Michelle Donelan, Helen Grant, Kelly Tolhurst,WendyMor- ton and Angela Rayner, with cheerleading fromTherese Coffey.


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26 Maidstone July 2018


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Malling October 2017 23


Sorry no buy one get one free. No 70% off list price Just the keenest prices around


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