Focus on nail bars in anti slavery drive

APOLICE operation in Halton and Cheshire has targeted vulnerable people who are potentially being exploited working in nail bars.

Officers joined forces with several agencies including Halton Council, health, housing and immigration to identify workers.

Operational activity throughout Tuesday, October 18, included visits to nail bars where police intelligence suggested there had been a potential risk of individuals employed at these premises being exploited.

Det Ch Insp Gwyn Dodd said: “Modern day slavery is a challenging issue for police and partners to deal with as it is very much a hidden crime – and the true extent of the problem is not known.

“Operations such as this are helping us to build up a bigger picture of what is happening in Cheshire and understand better the true extent of the issue.

“Intelligence suggests nationally that people are being forced to work for very little reward and in poor conditions at business premises and we rely on information from the public to help us build up a bigger picture of what is happening and where on a local level here in Cheshire.

“Nail bars are an area of business that have been identified as a potential risk of individuals being employed at these premises being exploited.

“The majority of these premises are well run and operate with no issues – but there are a small number where intelligence suggests there could be problems.”

The operation coincides with a regional week of action by forces in the North West following on from a national week of action in June, which aimed to raise awareness of the issue.

Events are being held to educate the public about modern day slavery and to ensure they know the signs and behaviours to look out for in potential victims.

In Cheshire, operational activity focused on hand car washes and identified two potential victims.

Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Policing nationally is only starting to get a true understanding of the nature and scale of modern day slavery.

“People are being tricked into coming to the UK by organised crime groups with a promise of a good job and a better life.

“It’s difficult for them to ask for help because they are completely controlled by their abusers.

“If we all keep our eyes and ears open and tell the police of our suspicions, we can help the victims and their families escape from the terrible conditions they could be trapped in.

“Forced labour is happening across the country and this week of action is about understanding it’s closer than we think.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to look out for potential victims, and as residents we need to be aware of the signs that could mean modern slavery is happening in our community.”

Det Chief Insp Dodd added: “There is no place in Cheshire for this type of activity and we are determined to make sure people can live and work in Cheshire safely.”

Anyone who has any information about this type of crime or is concerned about someone being a potential victim is urged to call Cheshire police on 101.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.