Suffolk police warns modern day slavery could be happening in plain sight
'They could be serving you at the nail bar, car wash or in your local factory'
Holly HumeSenior Reporter
18:26, 18 OCT 2021
A high percentage of modern slavery victims are British nationals (Image: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire)
Many people are still being forced into modern slavery in Suffolk, but they often slip beneath the radar.
Today marks Anti Slavery Day - a time to raise awareness about the shocking number of vulnerable people being exploited or involved in human trafficking.
While you might learn about the gruesome trade in the 1800s and the following abolition movement, you might not be aware that it still goes on today, just not how you might imagine.
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Victims of modern slavery are often forced to work in poor conditions, threatened and abused into service or sexually exploited.
Some are foreigners who come to England looking for a better life, but are instead preyed upon by criminals. However, many British nationals are also targeted and make up a high percentage of victims.
Coordinator of the Modern Day Slavery and Vulnerable Communities Team at Suffolk Constabulary Carol Dickinson has explained how to spot the signs you might be missing.
She and her team were at the University of Suffolk today to raise awareness during Anti Slavery Day.
Advisors Olga Filatova and John French, coordinator Carol Dickinson and advisor Julie Begum (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)
What is modern slavery?
"People don't think it exists anymore," Mrs Dickinson said, speaking of slavery. "That it doesn't happen in Suffolk, but it is hidden in plain sight.
"They could be the person serving you at the nail bar, at the car wash, working in your local factory or a sex worker at a brothel.
"There's a misconception that whoever they are, they're better off in this country than the one they came from. That's not right. Just because they've moved from somewhere with hardships doesn't mean they should be working long hours for less than minimum wage.
"Some are forced to live in squalid living conditions, ten to a house and sharing beds.
"County lines criminals recruit youngsters who are vulnerable to run locally for them, that can be modern slavery too."
Who is targeted?
Most often the people targeted are very vulnerable members of society. They can be vulnerable in a number of ways; financially, through drugs, mental health illness, homelessness or their age.
Young people are targeted by drug gangs because of their age and the vulnerability that brings.
"They say they'll look after you," Mrs Dickinson explained. "You'll be tricked into it because you might see an ad on social media for a really good job, they might offer to feed your family or house you and then once they get you they can trap you with threats.
"They might lie and say they gave you money and now you're indebted to them, or threaten to hurt your loved ones if you leave.
"Especially during the pandemic social media was used a lot more to draw people in to these situations."
Though many victims of modern slavery come from different countries, a high percentage of them are British nationals and can be pushed into service by local gangs.
How can you spot a victim of modern slavery?
According to the police team, victims can be identified in a number of ways.
Mrs Dickinson said: "They might be quite malnourished in an obvious way, or avoid making eye contact to as if they're scared to or being watched.
"They might not speak for themselves and be letting someone else answer questions and do the talking.
"Similarly someone who has no control over their own documents is a red flag, this could be their passport or bank account.
"On the flip side, when drugs are involved it might be someone who doesn't have a lot of money but suddenly has lots of stuff they can't afford like clothing or gadgets."
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How can I help if I think someone is a victim?
Sometimes it is best to trust your gut instinct, and Suffolk police have recommended getting in touch if you think someone might be in trouble.
The modern day slavery team are keen to point out that just because you submit information, it doesn't mean you'll have to be involved any further.
They welcome any tip offs they can get, as even if you're wrong they can investigate and make sure that person is okay.
People can submit concerns through the Unseen app or website, which can be done anonymously.
"It's just about being vigilant about what is hidden in plain sight," Mrs Dickinson added. "If something doesn't feel right then report it to us and we can look into it, the more information the better.
"Our team is partnered with local charities and we work closely with the community."
The team recently pioneered the Go Bag initiative; designed to provide essential items for victims who often have nothing.
Contents include items such as a wash bag with toiletries, for men and women, a basic mobile phone including a £10 top up, a food voucher and a panic alarm.
The initiative has been jointly funded by the Constabulary and Suffolk's Community Safety Partnerships and supported by Argos and Morrisons.
For more information about modern slavery and human trafficking, visit the Suffolk police page.
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