Bromley police have stressed that there are "several criminal offences relating to prostitution" after it was revealed a sex worker may be servicing clients in News Shopper’s building.

We reported last week how residents at Press House, Petts Wood, where reporters work, were warned about "unsavoury characters" trying to access the premises.

Estate manager Acorn Estate Management wrote: "We have received a number of complaints of unsavoury characters loitering in the car park, trying to gain access to the building by following people in and hanging around the lobby area unaccompanied.

"We have also received reports that there may be a prostitute operating in the building."

READ FULL STORY: Warning of 'prostitute' attracting 'unsavoury characters' to News Shopper HQ

News Shopper:

A Bromley police spokesman has since spoken to News Shopper about prostitution and offered advice to residents.

He said: "Prostitution brings anti-social behaviour to the area and is associated with human trafficking and organised criminality.

"A recent phenomenon we are experiencing in the UK are 'pop up' brothels. Landlords who let out their homes for short term lets on websites, often in the belief they are letting to holiday makers, and instead a prostitute and accompanying maid, or pimp, will set up shop in the home for a couple of weeks.

"They advertise online on web sites, then quickly move on to avoid detection. The landlord is sometimes completely unaware how their premises was used. Sometimes they are not and are prosecuted.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act now makes it easier to strip criminals of their assets, including property, if those assets have come about as a result of criminal activity. That includes letting or sub-letting a property to act as a brothel."

Bromley police asked anyone with suspicions to contact building management immediately.

If you see anyone suspicious in or outside of apartments you should call 999 and record times, descriptions of people and vehicle details.

"Your call may catch a criminal who sexually abuses vulnerable people for money, and free a victim of human trafficking," the police spokesman added.

"Consider putting up notices in your building to make other residents aware unwanted visitors are entering your building, and to challenge visitors.

"Residents need to be reminded sometimes about keeping a shared space like a communal door properly secure. Call police if there is genuinely suspicious behaviour."

He also stressed not to visit a prostitute, brothel or anyone associated and rather to let police and building management deal with it professionally.

The police spokesman concluded: "Finally, if you do make contact with anyone you suspect of direct involvement in prostitution try and remove yourself from the situation. You want at least one other person with you, or to be recorded on camera and audio to reduce the chances of potentially false accusations being made against you.

"Hopefully the safer neighbourhood team will get to the bottom of this and the situation will be resolved soon."

Acorn Estate Management said resident safety was of "utmost importance" and warned people to be extra vigilant.

They advised residents not to open the door if their flat number is called by an unknown person.

Residents have also been asked not to hold the door open while entering the building unless they see people holding a fob.