Modern Slavery: Signs to look out for

The Humber Modern Day Slavery Partnership have provided details of typical signs of slavery to be aware of during the Covid-19 lock-down. Any community led intelligence needs to be submitted via the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or via the website: www.humberantislave.com.

While the UK is enduring a period of uncertainty and tight restrictions on movement there is the potential of increasing exploitation of workers and other vulnerable cohorts.

Some specific things to look out for at this time may be:

1) Large groups of EU nationals on foot or using local shops in rural areas. Particularly in areas known to have salad crops, greenhouses or food processing facilities.

2) Minibuses or vehicles containing multiple persons in rural areas. Particularly in areas known to have salad crops, greenhouses or food processing facilities. 

3) Gatherings of UK or EU nationals in urban areas early in the morning or late at night. Particularly at service stations, high rise flats and areas know to have a high amount of HMO’s.

4) There will be instances where men and women exploited for sexual services are forced to work in brothels or on the streets during this time.

5) Due to social distancing and the instructions for residents to stay at home, explorers and organised crime groups will be looking for opportunities to diversify their operations. County Lines operations could be adversely affected because of these restrictions on movement making OCG’s increasingly dangerous and willing to take greater risks.

5.1. Groups will likely employ alternative tactics of movement such as increase in the use of private motor vehicles rather than public transport.

5.2. Groups will look to utilise fake or stolen NHS and key worker ID to facilitate movement of contraband.

5.3. Groups may look to localise operations in the interim and employ increased Cuckooing or street dealing in known areas. Particular attention should be paid to known vulnerable cohorts, sheltered housing complexes and known sexual services customers.

5.4. Particular attention should be paid to young people who are outside with no good reason at this time. For the purposes of county lines these young people will likely be out by themselves and actively avoid high footfall areas where possible.

For more information or support please visit: www.humberantislave.com