Fight against prostitution

This is how London's six worst affected boroughs are trying to tackle the vice trade:

Westminster

Undercover officials inspect all licensed premises offering "special treatments" twice a year to ensure sex is not being sold. If council receives information sexual services are being offered it will investigate and prosecute if necessary.

Kensington & Chelsea

Regular checks on all licensed premises. If there is any indication that one is being used as a brothel the council immediately notifies police.

Croydon

Investigates complaints against massage parlours if an allegation is received. Will remove their licence if the allegation is found to be true.

Newham

Does not license massage parlours, and relies on the public to inform it about prostitution. Has worked with the police to shut down a string of unlicensed
brothels this year. Council's drug action team has outreach workers who approach prostitutes on street and offer help with addiction problems and give lifestyle advice.

Waltham Forest

Licenses 10 massage parlours and 40 "specialist treatments" centres but is confident none offers sexual services.

Ealing

All massage parlours and special treatment premises are inspected yearly. Council works with police to shut down any operating as brothels.