Dyfed Powys Police supports fight against Modern day Slavery

Dyfed Powys Police are asking residents to help in their fight against modern day slavery during a week of activity in October.

Detective Chief Inspector Shane Williams said, “Modern Day Slavery can take place in any part of the UK, and there have been a number of recent examples in the news of it happening in Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. In reality it could happen anywhere. We are asking people living in our communities in Dyfed Powys to help us find out where it is happening in Dyfed Powys so we can put a stop to it and give the victims the support they need.

“We know that in the UK every fourth victim is a child and that one in 10 people in modern slavery are victims of domestic servitude. In Wales last year there were 50 cases of potential victims reported.

“During October our officers will be out in communities speaking to residents, business owners, factory managers and people working at our ports about modern day slavery. They will be explaining what to look out for and how people can help us to stop this exploitation taking place.

“This is a hidden crime. It is difficult to detect but there are signs to look out for, they include; people who have limited family contact; distrust authority; have no friends; appear underfed, uncared for and withdrawn; are disorientated and avoid eye contact.

“It may be easier to spot houses where victims could be held as the curtains may always be closed or have a reflective coating on them, there may even be locks or bars on the windows, CCTV cameras installed, the letterbox sealed and restricted access to the front and back doors.

“There are some common types of slavery that men, women and children may be forced to undertake. They can include; domestic servitude; forced labour; child trafficking; forced prostitution; criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.

“We don’t want people to act on any suspicions themselves, we ask that any information is shared with us so we can put measures in place to gather information and find out if modern day slavery is taking place. The Police do not work alone, they have specialist teams of people who can help and support victims and their families.”

You can report any suspicions to the Police by calling 101, or by calling the national helpline 0800 0121 700. You can visit www.modernslavery.co.uk for more information and watch this short film on youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv1H_fAoOG4&list=UU697e0rGEZK8tO-qmFN6kag