NORTH Yorkshire Police have said people should not assume modern slavery doesn’t happen in the county, as they urge people to report it.

Modern slavery involves men, women or children being traded or exploited repeatedly. This may be for criminal purposes, forced labour, servitude or for sexual exploitation.

There were 1,746 cases reported in 2013, a 47 per cent increase compared to 2012.

Now officers want to highlight the fact it is happening in North Yorkshire as part of the National Crime Agency’s week of action on the crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “Modern slavery is not confined to major cities. This issue affects all parts of the UK – it’s in our towns and cities and in our rural communities and we should not assume that North Yorkshire is not touched by this growing offence.

“We know from national figures modern slavery is on the increase, but the nature of the crime means that victims are hidden and controlled so it can be hard to spot or recognise, particularly for victims of sexual exploitation.

“Sections of our local communities may be in a position to assist us break the cycle of exploitation - for example, those that work in the accommodation letting or hotel industry may inadvertently come into contact with victims of exploitation and we would appeal to them to contact us if they see something suspicious.”

Anyone who suspects modern slavery is happening should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or 999 if it is an immediate threat.