A brothel in the same road as Luton police station was closed down on Thursday (January 17).
The property in Buxton Road, the owner of which is listed as Ms C Pusey, is the first in the county to be closed using powers under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Luton Magistrates Court granted the closure order for a three month period following an application from local residents who had been subjected to anti-social behaviour from those visiting and using the property.
Police Sergeant Jason Cahill said: “This is the first property within Bedfordshire to be closed using this legislation which is designed specifically to challenge anti social behaviour and as a direct response to the concerns of the local community.
“The quality of life for those who live close to this house had been undermined and this application would not have been successful without members of the local community supporting this action and I would like to thank them for their help.
“This process was a team effort, which involved members of Bedfordshire Police and the council’s Anti Social Behaviour Unit, all working together to achieve one goal.”
The closure order prohibits anyone from remaining on or entering the property, and to do so will render them liable to arrest.
Anyone flouting the order will be liable to imprisonment exceeding 51 weeks, or a fine, or both.