Human trafficking and modern slavery are prevalent issues in Avon & Somerset, with an alarming 90% of victims going unreported to the police, according to force chiefs. Chief Constable Sarah Crew highlighted the challenges in identifying these crimes, as victims are often controlled by others and are afraid to seek help due to fear of deportation.
Places where trafficking is suspected include car washes, nail bars, care homes, and agriculture. Police & Crime Commissioner Clare Moody emphasized the vulnerability of these victims and the importance of intervention. During a Police Question Time meeting, she questioned the confidence of frontline officers in identifying survivors of trafficking and knowing about specialist support services available to them.
Chief Constable Crew expressed her passion for tackling this issue, mentioning the establishment of an anti-slavery partnership in Bristol over a decade ago. She acknowledged the difficulty in spotting signs of exploitation, especially since it can manifest in various forms and target the most vulnerable members of the community.
The partnership, chaired by a detective chief inspector, collaborates with local authorities, the diocese, HMRC, Business West, and other organizations to train frontline professionals in recognizing trafficking indicators. Information sharing with other forces, regional units, and NGOs is crucial to identifying areas of concern and taking action collectively.
Despite the challenges, the force has seen success in prosecuting offenders involved in trafficking, such as the cases of Tai Makessa and Solomon Brown. Chief Constable Crew encouraged the public to be vigilant for signs of modern slavery, including physical or psychological abuse, malnourishment, neglect, and isolation.
She outlined behaviors that may indicate trafficking, such as restricted movement, lack of personal belongings, and reluctance to seek help. Anyone who observes these signs is urged to report them to the police or contact the UK modern slavery helpline for assistance.
It is essential for communities to be aware of the signs of human trafficking and modern slavery, as these crimes often go unnoticed. By working together and staying vigilant, we can help identify and support victims of exploitation in Avon & Somerset.
