How to prevent modern slavery on Calderdale's streets

West Yorkshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner are urging residents to help prevent modern slavery '“ by watching out for it in their neighbourhood and workplace.
Mark Burns-Williamson, National Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) lead on human trafficking and modern slavery, and Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, bottom rightMark Burns-Williamson, National Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) lead on human trafficking and modern slavery, and Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, bottom right
Mark Burns-Williamson, National Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) lead on human trafficking and modern slavery, and Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, bottom right

READ: Teens rescued from human trafficking gangs by Calderdale policeThe Force is urging people to know some of the possible signs of the crime – which trades in human misery – and to report any suspicions they have.

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Modern Day Slavery – or Human Trafficking as it is also known – is a vile and evil crime – and it could be happening on your street. It is a crime that knows no boundaries.

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READ: Child trafficking and modern slavery cases reported in Calderdale“It is a crime though that we can all play a part in preventing – by just spotting one of the signs and reporting it you could help save a victim from a life of misery

“There are various signs to look out for – most of which are easy to spot – but what I am urging everyone to do is if they have any suspicions at all to get in touch.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of reporting any concerns you may have. Even if they turn out to be completely unfounded it helps us to build up our intelligence and a clearer picture of what is happening.

“Intelligence is key to defeating organised criminals who could be plying their vile trade on your street.

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“If you are in any doubt then call and let someone else make a decision. That one call could mean a victim is rescued from a life of hell.”

Some of the signs to look out for include the below. Any single point could be an indicator of trafficking and this is not meant as a ‘checklist’

Is there a house on your street that isn’t quite right or in keeping with the others?

Do the people living there seem isolated or secretive? Do more people appear to be living in the house than you would normally expect?

Are the house windows covered from the inside?

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Have you ever noticed anyone taking an excessive amount of bed mattresses into the house?

Have you been ignored if you’ve tried to make conversation or eye contact with anyone living in the house?

Do the people that live there get collected / taken to work early in the morning and returned late at night?

People can also be trafficked for domestic servitude. This is type of trafficking that again is usually well hidden.

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As part of the campaign the Force has designed some indicator cards which reinforce the message about what to look out for.

Mark Burns-Williamson, National Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) lead on human trafficking and modern slavery said:“Our communities are one of our best tools in the fight against human traffickers. We really need their support to report any suspicions, no matter how small, which is why this new campaign has been launched.

“It’s a common misconception that people who have been trafficked can just walk away. Victims often don’t speak English, they have their money and documents taken away from them, and if they even think about leaving they face very real threats of violence against themselves and even more disturbing, their families back home.

“Human trafficking and modern slavery are happening right now in our communities and we all need to work together to stop it. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700, you could literally be saving lives.”