TVP tackle Modern Slavery in the area

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Monday, 25 July 2022 13:00

Officers from Thames Valley Police identified a number of potential victims of modern slavery following three weeks of activity focusing on hand car washes in the area under Project Aidant, an NCA-led law-enforcement response.

The activity took place between 6 and 24 June, involving partners from Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement, HM Revenue and Customs and local councils. The project aims to enhance and develop our knowledge of modern slavery linked to hand car washes, focusing specifically on adults or children (under 18) who have been trafficked to the UK, or exploited in the UK.

During this Project Aidant, officers visited 78 car washes across the Thames Valley and 16 potential victims were identified and safeguarded, while a number of offences involving immigration and trafficking were also established alongside health and safety concerns.

Chief Superintendent Jim Weems, Head of Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations, said: "Modern slavery and human trafficking, while the intelligence gather identified a number of possible offences for which investigations are continuing.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of vulnerable people, and would always urge the public to contact us if they have any information that could help us to safeguard anybody at risk of such offences.”

The Clewer Initiative Safe Car Wash app can be used to report concerns linked to working conditions in hand car washes, or concerns around modern slavery can be reported to the Modern Slavery Helpline.

If you think you are, or have been, a victim of modern slavery there are organisations that can help including our Victims First Specialist Service which incorporates specialist skills and knowledge on exploitation and modern slavery.

If you feel that you need this support please contact Victims First by calling 0300 1234 148 or by getting in touch online by completing an online referral form or using our live chat www.victims-first.org.uk/get-support-now/

“You can also report to us online or by calling 101, or for 100% anonymity, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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