CHESHIRE Police has launched an initiative to shine a light on modern slavery during Anti-Slavery Week.

The force aims to raise awareness about the issue and educate the public on how to spot signs of this crime.

Globally, more than 49.6 million people are subjected to modern slavery conditions, with an estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone.

The Protecting Vulnerable People teams within the constabulary are committed to identifying, safeguarding, and supporting victims of forced labour, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.

They also strive to take action against offenders.

The teams work closely with various partners, including local authorities, recruitment agencies, employers, and private landlords, to identify, prevent, disrupt, and stop modern slavery and assist vulnerable victims.

Detective Inspector Dave Jarvis from the Eastern Protecting Vulnerable People Exploitation team said: "It’s a sad fact of life that modern slavery is happening today, in our communities, often hidden away behind closed doors.

"Modern slavery destroys lives.

"It stems from serious and organised crime and targets some of the most vulnerable people in our society, who are coerced into a range of exploitation, including trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude.

"Many are tricked into coming to the UK with a promise of a good job and a better life.

"Instead, they are made to live a life of abuse, working in terrible conditions with very little reward."

He emphasised the severity of these offences, describing them as "a grave abuse of human rights and basic dignity" and pledged the constabulary's determination to eradicate modern slavery and bring offenders to justice.

He urged the public to be vigilant and to look out for potential victims who could be in plain sight, coerced into work by organised criminals.

He stressed the importance of recognising signs and behaviours associated with this crime.

Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, appear malnourished or unkempt, or seem withdrawn.

They may rarely be allowed to travel alone, appear under the control of others, or be unfamiliar with their surroundings.

Victims may also be living in poor conditions, have few personal possessions, and wear unsuitable clothing for their work.

They may be dropped off or collected for work at unusual hours and seem reluctant to seek help.

Mr Jarvis said: "Information from the community, no matter how small, plays a vital part in tackling modern slavery."

He urged anyone who sees something suspicious to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 via their website or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more information about modern day slavery, visit the Cheshire Constabulary website.