Crimestoppers
Fearless
New campaign launched to help you spot the signs of human trafficking & modern slavery
Last year, UK reports concerning modern slavery increased by a third compared to the previous twelve months.
We've launched a campaign to encourage everyone to learn how to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, and speak up anonymously to Crimestoppers, as a national charity, independent of the police.
find out more about our new campaign here
Almost 17,000 victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office last year*, which is up by more than a third (33%) in only twelve months.
(*Source: Modern Slavery: National Referral Mechanism and Duty to Notify statistics UK, end of year summary 2022.)
We want to help stop criminal gangs profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable people, who are often brought into the country illegally, by offering the general public the opportunity to give us any information they may have, either by phone or online, 100% anonymously - guaranteed.
These gangs are typically involved in other serious crimes, including drugs trading, violence and the supply of weapons.
Victims of human trafficking and modern slavery are often ‘hidden in plain sight’, so we're highlighting what the signs to spot are and encouraging you to tell us about any suspicions or information you have about people smuggling or criminal gangs.
- Showing signs of injury, abuse and malnourishment.
- They look unkempt, are often in the same clothing and have poor hygiene.
- Appearing to be under the control and influence of others.
- Living in cramped, dirty, overcrowded accommodation.
- They have no access or control of their passport or identity documents.
- Appearing scared, avoiding eye contact, and being untrusting.
- They may allow others to speak for them when addressed directly, rather than speak for themselves.
- They’re collected very early and/or returned late at night on a regular basis.
- May have inappropriate clothing for the work they are performing, and/or a lack of safety equipment.
- May be isolated from the local community and their family.
- They travel only with other workers.
Modern slaves can be vulnerable people of all ages, including people from the UK, who are forced to work illegally against their will in many different sectors, including construction, brothels, nail bars, take-aways, factories, the care sector, car washes and the fishing industry.
A victim may not realise they are being exploited. They can be forced to work and controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse, both to them and their families.
Your information can really make a difference - here are some examples of where information given to Crimestoppers and passed on to law enforcement has helped stop modern slavery:
- Illegal immigration halted
Crimestoppers was told that illegal immigrants were headed for Dover in a lorry from Eastern Europe. The police intercepted the vehicle and arrested the driver. The immigrants were released from terrible conditions and dealt with appropriately. - Women freed
Details were given about a ‘pop up’ brothel using women who had been trafficked into the country. The information also listed four other locations across the region, with women being moved between them. Police arrested two people and helped the women at the original location. A much larger modern slavery investigation followed. - Business closed down
A caller’s information led to the rescue of four women who were being physically and mentally abused while being used as modern slaves by a larger group. The rural hotel where they were kept has since been closed down.
