Four arrested during Wiltshire week of action targeting modern slavery and exploitation
Two were held on suspicion of human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain
Four people have been arrested during a week of police action targeting modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation across Wiltshire.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain. They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Another two people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences and have also been released on bail.
Wiltshire Police said officers carried out the week-long operation to tackle modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation across the county.
Operation Strong
The operation, called Operation Strong, was coordinated by the force's Missing and Exploitation Unit. It took place from 19th to 23rd October.
Police said officers worked alongside partner agencies to identify vulnerability, safeguard those at risk and disrupt those responsible for exploitation.
This phase of the operation focused particularly on adult sexual exploitation, with activity in Swindon and the wider county.
Officers also carried out checks at known hotspot locations and acted on intelligence relating to exploitation and vulnerability.
What officers did
Police said that throughout the week, officers:
- Carried out five visits to vulnerable individuals
- Made five safeguarding referrals
- Submitted 73 intelligence reports
- Recorded 20 disruptions
- Seized £1,000 in cash
- Seized multiple mobile phones and a small quantity of cannabis
- Conducted 14 hotspot patrols
- Carried out two Project Vigilant deployments in Swindon, including in the Broadgreen area and at the Designer Outlet
Police said Project Vigilant deployments took place throughout the week. They involved intelligence-led patrols across the county to identify potential sexual predators, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent violence against women and girls.
Working with partners
Wiltshire Police said it works closely with partners across the county, including The Nelson Trust and local safeguarding organisations. They provide support and specialist help for people at risk of exploitation.
The force said a multi-agency panel regularly meets to discuss safeguarding measures and the support available to vulnerable women. It said this ensures those most at risk receive appropriate help and intervention.
Police said modern slavery and human trafficking can take many forms, including forced sexual labour, criminal exploitation, domestic servitude and labour exploitation.
They said victims are often hidden in plain sight and may be controlled through violence, threats, coercion or financial dependence.
Police and commissioner response
Detective Sergeant Kara Peet said: "Modern slavery and human trafficking destroy lives, often exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain. Controlling prostitution for gain is a serious offence, and our priority is always to identify and safeguard those at risk while pursuing those responsible.
"We remain committed to preventing exploitation, protecting victims and bringing offenders to justice. Operations like Strong highlight the importance of working closely with partners to identify vulnerability, share information and provide support.
"If you believe someone may be being exploited, or have concerns about activity in your community, please report it to us. Every piece of information can help protect vulnerable people and keep Wiltshire safe."
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "What stands out from Operation Strong is not just the enforcement activity, but the number of opportunities identified to safeguard vulnerable people and provide support where it is needed.
"These are often complex and hidden crimes, which is why a coordinated response between policing and partner agencies is essential.
"Protecting vulnerable people remains a key priority, and this operation demonstrates the value of combining intelligence, safeguarding and enforcement activity to identify risk, prevent exploitation and improve outcomes for victims."
How to report concerns
Anyone concerned that someone may be a victim of modern slavery or exploitation is encouraged to report information to Wiltshire Police on 101.
Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.