Authorities keeping an eye on Lafayette massage businesses

Two massage businesses on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette are rubbing some people the wrong way.

Michelle Douglass lives nearby and suspects the businesses are engaged in prostitution.

"A lot of times you'll see men putting on sunglasses and hats and coats and walking to the establishment," said Douglass. "Then they press their nose against the door, knocking, waiting to be let in."

She points to several websites, including rubmaps.com, which list massage parlors with graphic reviews of the services allegedly offered. The city is investigating at least four such places.

But City Manage Steve Falk said proving such allegations is not easy.

"It's difficult to ascertain what's going on behind closed doors between consenting adults," said Falk. "There is however evidence on the internet that indeed, illegal activities are occuring."

At Classical Music Massage Center, the owner told KTVU by phone he operates a legal business.

The new owner of Melody Massage didn't want to show her face on camera, but she claimed her business was also legitimate.

"If they want dirty stuff, don't be coming here," said the owner. "We are here, normal massage. Legal massage. Honest massage."

KTVU spoke to a customer who was leaving Melody. Though he didn't want to give his real name, he said he just got a massage.

"If they're not a reputable place, then they should be shut down," said the customer. "But I didn't... No one offered any bad things."

Police confirmed they were investigating the allegations, patrolling the areas more often and talking to the landlords about the concerns.

A possible change to the permitting process may also be on the way.