Closure orders granted following investigation into modern slavery and human trafficking
Police successfully obtained two closure orders for the premises at 7 Market Place and 48A New Road in Chippenham
Wiltshire Police have successfully obtained two closure orders for premises in Chippenham town centre following warrants conducted earlier this week.
An investigation into suspected modern slavery and human trafficking saw six people arrested and seven women safeguarded following the warrants carried out in Chippenham, Gloucestershire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Reading.
Three people have now been charged and remanded in custody.
The investigation, led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), initially began in Chippenham by local neighbourhood officers following concerns about the services being offered at premises in the town.
Yesterday (17/10), Sergeant Jamie Ball attended Swindon Magistrates Court where he successfully obtained closure orders for the premises at 7 Market Place and 48A New Road.
Sergeant Ball said: “These orders essentially mean that nobody can enter the premises and services can no longer be offered from either location. The orders are in effect for three months and we will continue to monitor and ensure the orders are being adhered to over this time.
“This news should be welcomed by the local community who helped provide information in relation to these two premises over the course of the investigation.”