Our human trafficking and exploitation campaign in Wales remains vital

Our anti-slavery campaign launched prior to the Covid-19 lockdown remains vital as people are still victims of exploitation in Wales despite the lockdown restrictions.

Our campaign is vital to safeguard vulnerable people and we are asking the public to look-out for suspicious activities and pass on information anonymously to us about trafficking and exploitation.
 

Supported by Wales’ four police and crime commissioners and anti-slavery partner agencies, our campaign highlights the actions of criminal gangs who traffick people and drugs across Wales’ borders, exploiting vulnerable people in towns and cities. Key to our campaign is the guarantee of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.

We are seeing significant increases in anonymous reports across the country - however certain crimes, such as modern slavery, have become even more hidden during the stay-at-home lockdown.

"Crimestoppers is trusted by the public to take anonymous reports about crime in their communities. We continue to pass on information about all kinds of issues, from serious breaches of the social distancing rules, to those responsible for deliberate fires, drug dealing and causing violence.

“However, we’d like people to be particularly vigilant to hidden harms, such as people vulnerable to being abused or exploited. Your anonymous information can help give a voice to victims and get people to safety.”

“It’s important that, during this pandemic, police forces, together with our partners continue to work to highlight this crime and offer support to victims.

“The reality is modern day slavery does exist in Wales, it is not something that happens ‘somewhere else’. We know there are people out there who will, and do take advantage of the most vulnerable in our society and we all have a responsibility to spot the signs and help those in need.

“I’m pleased to be working with Crimestoppers to continue our efforts to tackle this form of criminality. The public really are our eyes and ears in the community and information they give us is instrumental in our efforts to identify and prosecute offenders.”

Crimestoppers received over 1,400 pieces of information on modern slavery and trafficking last year, with its promise of anonymity being key to helping people come forward.

Crimestoppers received over 1,400 pieces of information on modern slavery and trafficking last year, with its promise of anonymity being key to helping people come forward.

Ella Rabaiotti added: “A small piece of information can often turn out to be vital - such as descriptions of suspicious people, vehicles or houses with unusual or regular visitors. Please help us to keep our communities safe and tell Crimestoppers what you know 100% anonymously. Call freephone 0800 555 111 or use our simple and secure anonymous online form.”

To find out more about the campaign and to learn how to spot the signs and speak up, visit our modern slavery awareness web page.