Police launch anti-slavery drive

Local officers are joining forces with the Gwent and South Wales police forces to raise awareness of modern slavery and how to spot the signs.

Throughout this week, as well as raising awareness, Dyfed-Powys said it will be identifying offences and supporting victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Evans, Dyfed Powys Police said: “Modern Day Slavery can take place in any part of the UK, and there have been a number of examples in the news of it happening in Wales.

“In reality it could happen anywhere and there is no typical victim of slavery. Victims may be exposed to more than one form of abuse that includes child trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Although the campaign is just for a week we will continue to be vigilant with this area of work and always ask the public for information and help.

“We don’t want people to act on any suspicions themselves, we ask that any information is shared with us so we can put measures in place to gather information and find out if modern day slavery is taking place. We do not work alone, we have specialist teams of people who can help and support victims and their families.”

There are a number of signs that can help identify victims of trafficking:

·         Not having a passport or other means of identification

·         They are withdrawn and refuse to talk to, or appear afraid to talk, a person in authority

·         They are unable, or reluctant to give details of accommodation or other personal details

·         They work in various locations

·         Having limited freedom of movement

·         They perform excessive housework chores and rarely leaves the residence

·         They have low or no salary or are permanently deprived of a large part of their earnings by another person

·         Being escorted whenever they go and or return from work and other activities

·         They work long hours or have few/no days off

·         They sleep where they work

·         They have no privacy, sleeping in shared and over-crowded spaces

·         Security measures are in place to keep them at the work place, for example locked doors and windows

·         They are not dressed properly for the work they do, for example they don't have protective equipment or warm clothes.

If you suspect slavery is happening near you please report it to police on 101, in an emergency always dial 999 or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.