Police ‘at forefront’ of tackling modern slavery
Police in North Wales are at the forefront of the battle against modern slavery and human trafficking, it has been revealed.
A study by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary shows there has been an increase in the number of cases coming to light in the region.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones said it was positive that more of the crimes were being uncovered and said his officers were are the forefront in the UK of tackling the problem.
He has funded the UK's first support officer for victims of slavery.
The study said thousands of men, women and children were victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.
There are working in areas from nail bars to construction sites, and involved in activities from domestic servitude to the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation.
Mr Jones said: "Tackling modern slavery and human trafficking is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and as a result the force has over the past 12 months put a great deal of resources into investigations and safeguarding the survivors.
"The increase in the number of cases is positive because it demonstrates that North Wales Police is being proactive and at the forefront of the national response to this abhorrent crime.
"There is however no room for complacency which is why amongst other things I have funded the appointment of the UK's first support officer dedicated to helping victims.
"Modern Slavery is often a hidden crime that is rarely reported by the victims themselves but are normally reported by third parties or discovered by police investigations.
"It is vital to increase public awareness so we are working hard with our partners to expose and tackle this issue, protect the people who are being exploited and bring offenders to justice.
“To do this we need the communities of North Wales to support us, to look out for evidence of it and to contact the police if they have concerns.”
Detective Superintendent Steven Williams said: “The HMIC report into ‘the policing response to modern slavery and human trafficking’ has highlighted just how seriously North Wales Police are taking this particular issue.
"The force has an identified lead for modern slavery who works at a force, regional, national and international levels with other forces, partner organisations and overseas police organisations.
“Tackling Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is one of our policing priorities and it is vital that we continue to work with the public of North Wales and our partner agencies in order to uncover such despicable crimes.
"We would encourage that any concerns are reported to us, Crimestoppers or the Modern Slavery helpline.
"My plea being If you see the signs or suspect the signs then please report it. Your call could make a huge difference and help change the life of a victim.”
