Thames Valley Police investigating 'modern slavery' in Aylesbury Town Centre

Officers from Thames Valley Police have been out and about in Aylesbury this week, visiting local businesses to check that everything is in order with employees.

It’s all part of their ongoing commitment to ensuring that employees are safe and well and are not being exploited or at risk of Modern Slavery.

Modern Slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain and victims can be any age, gender, nationality of ethnicity.

They are often tricked or threatened into work and may feel unable to leave through fear or intimidation.

Detective Inspector Simon Tyas, based at Aylesbury police station, said: “These checks today are part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone living and working in Aylesbury is safe and not at risk of exploitation.

“Modern Slavery could be happening in your communities, and so we are out and about to offer advice on how to spot the signs that could indicate someone is a victim of this crime.

“We would always ask members of the public to speak to any of our officers to address any concerns.”

“Today’s patrols have seen us engage with 40 workers across a number of businesses throughout the day and we will continue to raise awareness of modern slavery and protect vulnerable people.”

Signs of Modern Slavery can be the following:

- How do they look? Scruffy, dirty, malnourished, injured?

- How are they acting? Anxious, afraid, reluctant to talk?

- What’s their work situation like? Long hours, unsuitable clothing, wrong equipment?

- How’s their accommodation? Overcrowded, poorly maintained, curtains always closed?

- What are their movements like? Never leave the house along, limited contact with friends and family, no access to money or ID?

If you think anybody may be a victim of Modern Slavery, please tell someone. You can speak to any officers out on patrol, call 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You will always be taken seriously. Protection and support is available.