United to fight modern slavery
●
CHESHIRE Constabulary has teamed up with Halton Borough Council in a bid to tackle the ‘hidden crime’ of modern slavery.
The constabulary warned that coercing adults and children into exploitation is on the rise.
A spokeswoman for the force said the offence involves organised crime gangs targeting some of society’s most vulnerable, who are used in trafficking, forced labour, child slavery and domestic servitude.
She said the offence is not bound by age, gender or background.
Cheshire police said it is ‘essential’ for the public sector to recognise that protecting potential victims from slavery and exploitation is everyone’s responsibility.
It is also hoped that a system of sustainable and effective support will be developed to help those affected, and the force has pledged to hold offenders to account and pursue prosecutions.
A conference took place on Monday for officials to share ideas and work out how to collaborate on a two-year action plan to highlight the issue.
Experts discussed the issue and visitors took part in practical workshops.
It is hoped that residents and public sector staff will learn to spot the signs of slavery.
Clues that exploitation might be taking place include: ● A poor physical appearance such as being unkempt or malnourished. ● Victims might be isolated from other residents and not allowed to travel alone or seem unfamiliar with where they live or work. ● Poor living conditions such as dirty, cramped and overcrowded accommodation or living and working at the same address may indicate slavery. ● A lack of identification documents or personal possessions or having to wear the same clothes every day are also indicative. ● Unusual travel times such as being dropped off or collected for work very early or late at night. ● Reluctance to seek help, victims might avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and fear authorities.
David Parr, Halton Council chief executive and chairman of the Cheshire Protecting Vulnerable People Board, is among those keen to see the problem addressed.
He said: “Across the region, we recognise the reality that trafficking, slavery and exploitation is not a problem of the past.
“It is happening right here, right now – and we will not tolerate it.
“The time has come for concerted, co-ordinated action to ensure that children and adults are protected.
“The purpose of this conference and the developing strategy that we are launching today is to set out our strategic approach and how we intend to continue to develop the good work already happening locally.
“Aligning with our police and crime plan 2016-21, it will help us to work collectively and collaboratively to prevent, identify, disrupt, stop and eradicate modern slavery in all its forms, and will result in our boroughs being an even safer and happier place to live.”
Chief Constable Simon Byrne, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Today is a great opportunity for us all to come together to discuss these important issues to find ways to help protect and support some of the most vulnerable people in Cheshire.
“It is a sad fact of life that modern slavery is happening today, in our communities, often hidden away behind closed doors.
“Although action is already being taken by officers and partners to locate victims and trace offenders, there is always so much more that can be done and working together jointly helps play an important part in making sure we achieve this.”
Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “We are delighted to be hosting our partners today at this extremely important conference.
“Modern slavery is a real and devastating crime, and often victims are hidden in plain sight.
“One of my policing priorities is to ‘support victims and protect the vulnerable’ and I fully endorse this kind of joined-up, multi-service approach which is so valuable in terms of eradicating this terrible issue.”
Residents with any information about suspected modern slavery should report it to Cheshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively call the national modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.