Moonee Valley Council crackdown on illegal brothels

Disgusted shoppers say a Moonee Ponds retail strip is turning into a “red light district”, with a proliferation of sleazy illegal brothels and so-called massage parlours where customers have been solicited for sex.

Residents are concerned illegal brothels are ruining their wholesome suburbs.

Moonee Valley families fear neighbourhood shopping strips have turned into a “local red light district” and are calling for illegal brothels to be shut down.

Moonee Valley Council has partnered with the Sex Industry Co-ordination Unit (SICU) and Australian Border Force to crack down on illegal brothels in the area.

Dozens of people have told the Leader about several massage parlours in Moonee Ponds, Essendon and Essendon West offering sexual services.

Moonee Ponds resident James, who did not want his last name used, said Moonee Ponds had become “the local red light district”.

“I was hoping for an explosion of retails and restaurants … (all) I’ve seen is these massage parlours, with their postered-up windows and neon open signs,” he said.

Locals say instead of an explosion of retail, Puckle St has become home to a proliferation of illegal brothels. Picture: Josie Hayden

He said his friends had been solicited with a “happy ending” at massage parlours throughout Moonee Valley.

“It’s not savoury. In fact, it has turned Moonee Ponds in and around Puckle St into the local red light district.”

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Moonee Ponds resident Julie Vulin said she was solicited by a young woman in a skirt that barely covered her crotch when she visited a massage parlour in Moonee Ponds. She said two of her friends has also walked into an establishment for a massage but were approached by women offering sexual services.

The council, police, and border force officers recently visited a number of premises suspected of being illegal brothels.

Mayor Narelle Sharpe said illegal brothels had no place in Moonee Valley.

“These premises are frequently found near homes, schools and shops, which is a concern to the council and the community,” she said.

“Not only do they damage the reputation of legitimate businesses, but they are also often associated with the exploitation of the women who work there.”