Police campaign on modern slavery in North Yorkshire

Operation Aidant is co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the operation is run nationally every year involving local police forces working alongside partner agencies to focus on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

The week of action saw various North Yorkshire Police teams, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Health and Safety Executive, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and others working together under Operation Aidant, to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking amongst communities and businesses across North Yorkshire and York.

The focus of the week was to safeguard vulnerable workers, engage with businesses and gather information and intelligence to be used in future operations.

Throughout the week, more than 21 nail bars and hand car washes were visited by police, HSE inspectors and immigration officers, with HSE issuing seven prohibition notices at three car washes in York and Malton.

Detective Superintendent Allan Harder, North Yorkshire Police’s lead for Safeguarding said: “North Yorkshire is not immune to modern slavery and human trafficking. We know there are many men, women and children who are suffering at the hands of criminals. These victims are being forced into situations which causes them distress and harm.

“The nature of these crimes means that victims are hidden so it can be hard to spot or recognise, particularly for victims of sexual exploitation and forced labour."

“North Yorkshire Police is committed to tackling this type of crime and we are determined to safeguard those who fall victim at the hands of criminals. However, we need the information from the public in order to help us identify evidence of Modern Slavery.

“When people are being exploited they often don’t realise they are a victim. We want everyone to be aware of how to recognise the signs of modern slavery and come forward to tell the police, so we can take action and keep people safe”.

“If you think that modern slavery may be happening near you, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – if there is an immediate threat, always call 999.

“You can also contact the Modern Slavery helpline on 08000121700 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week** or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.”

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service supported the Operation Aidant week of action by conducting 17 compliance visits to buildings in Harrogate, Scarborough, York, and Selby, under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005.

The buildings visited during the week had existing prohibition notices remain in force to prevent the buildings being used for sleeping accommodation and buildings where North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority have taken prosecution action in the past because there was evidence that in the event of fire there would be serious risk to life.

Station manager David Watson said:

“The results of these fire safety visits were extremely encouraging because in most of the premises that were operating, there was no repeat fire safety problems found.

“The positive outcomes from these visits show that business owners are taking heed of fire safety enforcement action and warnings which are issued by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service staff.

“This type of joint partner working with other agencies is very effective in checking that some business and some houses in multiple occupation landlords are managing their fire safety obligations effectively. This is helping to ensure that were sleeping accommodation is provided for workers, it is safe in the event of fire.

"North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind business owners and landlords that it is important that they are aware of the legislative requirements they need to comply with including having an up to date fire risk assessment.”