Spotlight shines on human trafficking

Northamptonshire Police is today shining a light on human trafficking, an insidious crime that exploits vulnerable people, often leading them into a life of slavery.

At the heart of this activity are organised crime gangs whose only motivation is to make money.

Today, January 11, is National Human Trafficking Day, a chance to highlight the offence which can see people trafficked within borders as well as internationally.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Cobley, who leads on Serious and Organised Crime for Northamptonshire Police, said: “Criminal gangs prey on vulnerable people, make promises of a better life and then exploit them, often forcing them into labour, while taking their pay and forcing them to live in squalid conditions.

“Victims often don’t know where to turn for help, petrified of contacting police and other agencies that can help them and act against the criminal gangs.

“I want victims to know that we can take action, that they can be safe. Just last week two people were each sentenced to nine years in prison for human trafficking offences after they were found to have trafficked and exploited Lithuanian nationals to Corby between 2017 and 2019.”

The most common types of trafficking are:

• sex trafficking - working as prostitutes, in pornography, phone sex lines, internet chat rooms, escort agencies
• forced labour - working for low pay, or no pay, in poor conditions with threats of punishment
• servants - working at their employer's home for low pay, or no pay, where they're often abused and can't leave
• forced crime - begging, pickpocketing, selling drugs, bag snatching

DCI Cobley, said: “It’s important that anyone who has concerns about human trafficking, or indeed modern slavery, should report them. We would rather have concerns raised to us that turn out to be mistaken than have people worried to report information that could save someone from a life of forced labour.

“There are several ways people can report information, via northants.police.uk, by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.”

Spotting the signs of modern slavery

Victims may:

• not be in possession of their passports or other travel or identity documents, as those documents are being held by someone else
• be unable to leave their work environment
• be unable to move freely
• depend on their employer for work, transport, and accommodation without any choice
• be unable to communicate freely with others
• have no access to medical care
• be subjected to violence or threats of violence against themselves or against their family members and loved ones
• allow others to speak for them when addressed directly
• be unable to choose when or where they work
• work excessively long hours over long periods
• not be dressed adequately for the work they do for example, they may lack protective equipment or warm clothing
• live in poor or substandard accommodation
• live in degrading, unsuitable places, such as agricultural or industrial buildings
• have wages paid into an account used by other people
• suffer injuries that appear to be the result of an assault
• have injuries that appear old, untreated or that they cannot explain
• wear the same clothes each day