A brothel recently closed on the south end of Bainbridge Island shortly after police began investigating a local prostitution ring, the Kitsap Sun newspaper says in a story this morning.

Operating out of a rental house until last month, the brothel had three or more resident prostitutes who served clientele from all over Kitsap County, including the island, Bainbridge police confirmed on Monday.

"It had heavy traffic and a lot of activity at all times -- day and night," Lt. Sue Shultz said.

Police learned of the brothel after receiving over a dozen complaints from neighbors. In a few cases, would-be clients accidentally went to the wrong address or were spotted sneaking around in backyards.

"Neighbors were getting odd knocks during the middle of the night, with men asking for (prostitutes) by name," Shultz said.

The February arrest of four prostitutes during a sting operation at a Bainbridge hotel also produced information about the brothel.

No one was arrested in connection with the brothel. Police had been staking out the brothel in preparation for possible arrests when it suddenly ceased operation and the tenants moved away. Police believe the brothel's occupants closed shop after learning of the investigation.