A CAMPAIGN focusing on modern day slavery in the West Mercia and Warwickshire policing area has been launched by the independent charity Crimestoppers.
As a result it is now appealing to the public to be alert for signs that could indicate someone is being forced to work – often in appalling conditions – against their will.
Experts say the scale of slavery in locally is difficult to measure, although nationally it is thought there are 13,000 potential victims.
More than 3,000 potential victims were identified and referred to the National Crime Agency in 2015. However, it is believed there are many more people who are trapped in slavery.
Modern day slavery focuses on having control, power and dominance over vulnerable victims who are too scared to seek help. Victims typically have little or no control over their money and often owe large amounts to the abuser for housing, travel and food. They feel that they have no means of escaping the exploitation.
Victims are often brought into the UK from overseas, although slavery can equally happen to vulnerable people born here.
One young man went missing from West Mercia for 20 years. His parents never gave up looking for him and they decided to set up a website to appeal for information.
This prompted someone to contact them saying they believed they had seen the son on a farm in the north of England.
When the parents arrived at the farm they approached an elderly man who appeared from behind to look as though he had been beaten up. When he turned around, they realised that the dishevelled and undernourished man was their son.
Pauline Hadley, Crimestoppers regional manager, said: “Whilst many people think slavery was outlawed in the 18th century, the truth remains that it is a clear and present danger, especially to people who are more vulnerable. Innocent people are being abused and they often end up working in sectors or venues such as brothels, nail bars, factories and in agriculture.
“Crimestoppers, as an independent charity, can help tackle and stop the suffering by encouraging those who might not be willing to go directly to the police with information, to contact us in complete anonymity. We want to know what you know, not who you are.”
The two-week campaign includes a social media strand using Facebook and mobile advertising.
The tell-tail signs of modern slavery include:
– Show signs of injury, abuse and malnourishment
– Look very scruffy, often in the same clothing and have poor hygiene
– Be under the control and influence of others
– Live in cramped, dirty, overcrowded accommodation
– Have no access or control of their passport or identity documents
– Appear scared, avoid eye contact and be untrusting
– Be collected very early and/or returned late at night on a regular basis
– May have inappropriate clothing for the work they are performing and/or a lack of safety equipment
– May be isolated from the local community and their family
If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
