A CAMPAIGN to tackle modern slavery has been hailed a success by officers at Thames Valley Police.
The force teamed up with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Europol, visiting massage parlours under Project Aidant, an NCA-led law-enforcement response.
The activity took place over a three-week period between August 22, and September 9, as part of a Europe-wide operation, involving partners from Immigration Enforcement and local councils.
The project aims to enhance and develop knowledge of modern slavery linked to massage parlours, focusing specifically on adults or under 18s who have been trafficked to the UK, or exploited while in the country.
Officers visited 57 premises across the Thames Valley and encountered over 50 people who were spoken to about Modern Slavery and given advice.
Of those people, five were identified as potential victims and safeguarded.
Chief Superintendent Jim Weems, Head of Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations, said: “Working in partnership with Immigration and local council teams, Project Aidant created significant intelligence and identified vulnerable individuals, for whom safeguarding has been put in place to ensure that they are no longer at risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.
“Modern slavery and human trafficking is absolutely abhorrent, and Thames Valley Police remain committed to ensuring that any such offences are investigated thoroughly and offenders brought to justice.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of vulnerable people, and would always urge the public to contact us if they have any information that could help us to safeguard anybody at risk of such offences.”
Concerns around modern slavery can be reported to the Modern Slavery Helpline.
Anyone who thinks they are or have been a victim of modern slavery can receive help from the Victims First Specialist Service which incorporates specialist skills and knowledge on exploitation and modern slavery.
They can provide practical and emotional support, tailored to meet your individual needs, to help you cope with the effects of the crime.
For details, call: 0300 1234 148 or log on to: www.victims-first.org.uk/get-support-now
Reports can also be made by calling 101, or for 100% anonymity, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
