Modern slavery victims freed by police
FOUR victims of modern day slavery and human trafficking were found and freed by police in Runcorn in the last year.
Data released under the Freedom Of Information act revealed that Runcorn officers also made two arrests over suspected exploitation from slavery and trafficking.
No arrests or instances of victims being liberated were recorded in Widnes.
Warrington had the highest rate of either crimes taking place of police taking action, with five victims freed and six arrests made.
Towns such as Northwich, Crewe and Chester had similar rates to Runcorn.
The data covered the period September 2016 to August 2017.
Cheshire police said most modern day slavery and trafficking cases relate to exploitation for sex work or general labour exploitation.
The force undertook an operation last October to carry out checks at premises where suspected offending may have been taking place.
Cheshire police said it could not reveal details of the alleged criminal activity in Runcorn because some victims do not say they are being exploited.
Detective Sergeant Clare Ellis, from Cheshire police’s strategic public protection unit, said: “Modern slavery comes in many forms and is a challenging issue for police and partners to deal with due to it being such a hidden crime.
“In Cheshire we tend to see cases involving sexual exploitation and labour exploitation.
“Many of the victims in these cases are extremely vulnerable and often don’t see themselves as being exploited.
“We rely on information from the public and it is important that people know the signs and behaviours of potential victims.
“I would strongly urge anyone who has any information about this type of crime to call Cheshire police on 101 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.” ●