Modern slavery could be hidden in nail bars and car washes, police warn
Officers say most UK-based victims are exploited through county lines
Police are warning that modern slavery and human trafficking could be taking place behind closed doors at car washes, nail bars, takeaways and restaurants across the Humber area.
It comes as officers mark Anti Slavery Week this October, as part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the signs of exploitation.
The warning has been issued by the Humber Modern Day Slavery Partnership, which includes the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) team, modern slavery leads from Hull City Council, East Riding Council, North and North East Lincolnshire Council, and a specialist employed by the University of Hull.
Police said the partnership shares information to build a bigger picture of offending, which is then used to carry out targeted, multi-agency operations in areas of concern, based on evidence-based data.
They said they also work alongside organised immigration crime teams, housing authorities, the labour abuse authority and environmental health, due to the number of agencies often involved when such crimes are uncovered.
Detective Sergeant Richard Kirk, who heads the MSHT team, said: "Modern day slavery and human trafficking are often unseen crimes that go unnoticed in our local communities. Whether that's at a local hand car wash, a nail bar in town, a village takeaway, or even a popular restaurant - slavery and trafficking is a growing cause for concern across our entire force area.
"Whilst this is all business as usual for the staff and officers that sit within the MSHT team, we are hoping our support of Anti Slavery Week this October will bolster awareness and education around what to look out for when visiting these businesses and ultimately encourage people to report any suspicious activity to us.
"Through the Humber Modern Day Slavery Partnership, our objective is to safeguard people from slavery and human trafficking and to raise awareness that in some instances people are being forced into providing free labour against their will, and for the financial benefit of others.
"This is happening in businesses right across our force area and causes immense misery. Someone is classed as a victim of slavery if they are forced to work through mental or physical threat, owned or controlled by an 'employer' usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse, dehumanised, treated as a commodity, or bought and sold as 'property', or physically constrained or have restrictions placed on their freedom.
"There is no standard victim profile for modern day slavery. Victims can be men, women, and children of all ages, but it is normally most prevalent amongst the most vulnerable, including minority groups or those who are socially excluded.
"In our force area, contrary to what some people may believe, we do find that the highest percentage of people who are victims of these kind of crimes and are being exploited are actually from the UK. Sadly, most of these are victims of Child Sexual and Criminal Exploitation through County Lines and other organised crime networks.
"Car washes, restaurants, takeaways and nail bars are often on streets and within communities surrounded by unwitting families, residents and visitors. However, some of those neighbours and people who frequent these locations might have noticed something that is not quite right but may be unaware that what is actually going on behind closed doors is slavery or human trafficking.
"We would encourage anyone who has suspicions to report them to us on our non-emergency number 101, 999 in an emergency, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.
"There is also a dedicated Modern Slavery Helpline too, just call 0800 0121 700, or visit the website for more information.
"This specific intelligence allows us to target businesses directly and safeguard all those involved and together with the assistance from our communities, we can help protect the most vulnerable people in our communities," DS Kirk said.