Two people were arrested in Marlborough yesterday following patrols relating to modern slavery. Officers have been conducting patrols of the High Street over the past day looking out for signs of exploitation. At 5pm yesterday, 18 September, they attended a nail bar on the High Street and located a 17-year-old male acting suspiciously at the premises. Further checks were conducted by officers and it was found that the male was in the country illegally.
He was arrested on suspicion of entering the UK illegally and a 34-year-old woman at the premises was also arrested on suspicion of human trafficking. Both were taken to Melksham custody where they remain for questioning.
PC Emily Grigor, Wiltshire East Community Coordinator, said: “These arrests were made as a result of proactive patrols by officers who have been specifically looking out for signs of modern slavery.
“This is a great piece of work by local Community Policing Team officers, and it further emphasises the importance of officers and members of the public recognising the signs of modern slavery.”
Police describe Modern Slavery as the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women and men through the use of force, coercion, deception, and abuse of vulnerability or other means for the purpose of exploitation. Individuals may be trafficked into, out of or within the UK, and they may be trafficked for a number of reasons including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and organ harvesting.
Often, people may not see themselves as victims. What are some of the signs of exploitation, and how can a victim of Modern Slavery be identified?
- Lack of personal protective equipment
- Chaperoned or accompanied everywhere
- Money being withheld from them
- Language barriers
- Working long hours
- Lack of possessions
- Passport held by someone else
The Police are appealing for help in the battle against Modern Slavery so If you suspect someone is being exploited, call police on 101.
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